What about the MagicJack?

[pokari]

http://www.magicjack.com/1/index.asp

Does anybody have an experience with this? It seems like VoIP but a lot smaller. When traveling it seems a lot easier to use. The size is incredible.

Thanks,

pokari

[Jimmypoo]

I thought it was one of those things that truckers buy at adult toy stores and plug into the lighter plug.

[rz]

I was on a webconference with someone who was using a MagicJack. We could barely hear him. We finally told him to call back in on his cell phone, which was much clearer. He said that others had remarked at the poor quality of the sound when he called them with it. I'm pretty sure he returned it.

[Jimmypoo]

oooh.... NOW you post!

I decided to give it a try.... but perhaps I'll change my mind when I get my confirmation email.

Actually I've been reasonably pleased with Skype. For a few months I even used it on a
Pismo, and only with the built in microphone. It taxed a 400MHz G3, but it doesn't even register
on a C2D Macbook.

I can do just like they say.... on any broadband, without the device. And I do have a US Robotics
speaker phone and a "cell phone" look-alike, that is USB, that if you have to hold onto something
when you talk, you can use that. You can also use the BlueTooth or plain headset options too.

I pay $3/month, and I get a few other features as well - such as the ability to dial a local number
from a landline and pipe the call through Skype - old tech, but still handy when visiting elsewhere
or in a hotel when the computer isn't handy.

They offered 5 years for a flat $60 when I ordered this thing just now -- so it was $40 + $60, to
make it 5 years of voice mail, 411, 911, long distance, regular, extended warranty, etc., etc.

$100 total.

That comes out to $20/year over 5 years, vs. more like $40 with Skype. Occasionally I have
feedback issues with Skype, but that depends on my proximity to the screen. Otherwise, my only
complaint has been that callers aren't loud enough because of the limits of the rear facing MacBook
speakers. That problem solves itself instantly with any headset.

And the Mac has picked up EVERYTHING I've tossed at it - no drivers needed. It does help though, in
Skype, to use ITs prefs as well as the System Prefs for choosing Audio IN and OUT.

[onthedownlow]

I know a few people that have it and love it.

I am sure quality is very dependent on the environmental conditions in which the call is made (i.e. good microphone...bandwidth usage on users' end, etc.)

[Ken Sp.]

I have it--have used it for at least 6 months. It works fine. I have had a few glitches on a very few calls, but almost all work fine.
I got it as a second number, and to see if I was able to fax with it. It does fax, but sometimes it takes a couple of tries.
The voicemail messages can be emailed, and I can hear them on my iPhone.
You have a 30 day money back guarantee, so you won't lose anything.
The only real downside for most people versus most other VOIP is that it MUST be connected to a powered up computer (Mac or PC) to work. If your computer is asleep or shut down, calls go to voicemail.
I have it hooked to my MacMini that is always on anyway.
I have mine hooked to a regular phone for calls.

[Jimmypoo]

Well... to get some time to think about it, I was able to kill my order.

They reference retail locations, but then they don't have any.

I really DO get everything I need except 911 via Skype, and while now the
positive reviews are coming out (and as I clicked to find a liveChat, I saw the
"don't return it and we'll give you TWO numbers!" option, I still opted to kill
the order for the moment.

That said - I do like the idea of being able to use a standard cordless phone
with things - and not have to be connected to the computer, but I make so
few calls right now, that it isn't a big point of concern. In fact, whatever I would
save, I'd lose either trying to FIND my cordless phones or buying a new one!!!

Just replacing the batteries would equal the difference between what I pay for Skype
vs. the $47 initial cost of one unit with no other "5 year package."

SO.... now I will think about it for at least a few days.

I don't have complete faith, regardless of the guy's track record, that any 5 year deal
I "sign" won't be over-ridden by AT&T et. al., if/when they buy him up.

[Ken Sp.]

Don't forget-for Macs it is intel only.

[graylocks]

consumer advocate clark howard has had one for a few years. he has said he wouldn't depend on it as his only phone but thinks otherwise it is a terrific deal. i'm sure a search on his website would turn up some comments.