| Magicjack and Verizon Cell Net cards [message #74555] |
Sun, 21 February 2010 13:21  |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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I just thought I would make a post about the MagicJack VOIP internet phone device and how it works with Verizon Broadband 3G internet service.
The MagicJack system costs $40 to buy, and plugs into your USB port on your computer, which must be connected to a broadband, high speed Net service. You then plug any regular phone into the jack it has on it, pick up the phone, get a dial tone and dial like usual. The first year service is included in the initial cost, then it is $20 a year after that. So, you can call anywhere in the US and Canada, for $20 a year, anytime of day or night. International calls elsewhere have some low cost associated with them, but I really have not checked that out. I got mine at Frys electronics, I am sure they are available in lots of other places.
I have a Verizon Cell phone and normally just make all my calls from it when here in AZ in the winter, but I have Canadian friends that I like to call and my Cell plan does not include free Canadian calls. So, I thought I would try the MagicJack system out.
After you get the thing out of the package (what a project) you simply plug it into your computer and it self installs in a couple of minutes. Then dial away. Voice quality is excellent, better than my cell phone for sure. You get to hold a real phone in your hand too. My Canadian calls sound just like a regular wired connection.
I was wondering if it would work over my Verizon 3G cell net modem, and wireless WIFI Cradlepoint router system. I can report it does, and very well, at least here in Phoenix where I get good Broadband service.
So, normally who cares, if you have a cell phone and reasonable number of minutes to use. But you may have a use for this system at home, using your broadband net access for your phone calls. Or, if like me, you have some Canadian calls to make, and no reasonable way to make them.
I have no affiliation with either MagicJack or Verizon. Just thought you might like to know about this.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: Magicjack and Verizon Cell Net cards [message #74566 is a reply to message #74555] |
Sun, 21 February 2010 14:18  |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Have you guys tried Skype? I call all over the world with that. If you skype another PC it is free, if you skype out to a phone, it is so cheap it isn't even worth mentioning. You can also get a skype in number and voice mail. We use it for conference calls, sometimes with video...
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: Magicjack and Verizon Cell Net cards [message #74654 is a reply to message #74555] |
Mon, 22 February 2010 05:59 |
JimGunther
Messages: 228
Registered: March 2007
Location: West Haven, CT
Karma: 0
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FWIW
There was an (apparently) favorable article about the Magic-Jack in the Wall Street Journal in the last 10 days (Walter Mossberg's Techie column, I think).
Full disclosure: I thought the Magic Jack might have been a clunky scam but (at least the headline <I didn't read the whole column>) sez, it actually works.
PS: I wonder if you'd be able to use it at a public library (or similar free type) terminal?
Jim Gunther
www.LotusV6.com
now former owner - ;(
73 GMC-II 2600
by Explorer
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| Re: Magicjack [message #74664 is a reply to message #74654] |
Mon, 22 February 2010 08:27 |
bukzin
Messages: 840
Registered: April 2004
Location: North California
Karma: 0
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I can confirm that it works most of the time.
You sometimes may need to re-boot it but
voice quality is very good, as is the pricing.
Bukzin
1977 Palm Beach
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| Re: Magicjack and Verizon Cell Net cards [message #74686 is a reply to message #74654] |
Mon, 22 February 2010 10:45 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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| JimGunther wrote on Mon, 22 February 2010 03:59 |
FWIW
There was an (apparently) favorable article about the Magic-Jack in the Wall Street Journal in the last 10 days (Walter Mossberg's Techie column, I think).
Full disclosure: I thought the Magic Jack might have been a clunky scam but (at least the headline <I didn't read the whole column>) sez, it actually works.
PS: I wonder if you'd be able to use it at a public library (or similar free type) terminal?
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Jim: I think that if you have an upload/download speed of about 200 kbps (possibly a bit slower) it will work. So, any location with a connection that has that speed should be ok. Remember you need a regular plug in phone to actually talk on, as well as your computer.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: Magicjack and Verizon Cell Net cards [message #74790 is a reply to message #74555] |
Tue, 23 February 2010 07:38 |
Rusty
Messages: 197
Registered: October 2005
Location: Philadelphia Pa
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I am a Skype die hard. Cannot be beat. It has a duplex video option for computer-to-computer. I use it all the time to talk to my buddies and family in Ca, New Mex, Arizona, Russia, Germany, Australia, and Indonesia. You can call any land or wireless phone just about anywhere in the world, with some exceptions due to occasional local rules.
There are several hand held Skype phones available, mine ia a Netgear. Eliminates having to be on the computer. I make all my international calls on my handheld which uses my WiFi connection.
Verizon is to Skype like AT&T is to the iPhone "Its the Network"
Anybody ever use 'FreeTel' - its was the first, came out back in the late 90's - legacy now. Hard to believe. Gettin old sux.
Rusty
75 Glenbrook
Philadelphia Pa
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| Re: Magicjack and Verizon Cell Net cards [message #74797 is a reply to message #74790] |
Tue, 23 February 2010 09:40 |
bukzin
Messages: 840
Registered: April 2004
Location: North California
Karma: 0
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Rusty,
With your Netgear phone can you just walk into
a Starbucks or McDonalds and place a WiFi call?
Do you also need 'Skype Out' service?
Which model phone do you have?
thanks
Bukzin
1977 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Magicjack and Verizon Cell Net cards [message #74880 is a reply to message #74705] |
Wed, 24 February 2010 10:16 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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After reading the information Larry posted I became concerned, but not too concerned. But then, last night I had a MAJOR crash of my Apple Mac Book Pro and that has never happened in the past several years I had the machine.
About the only thing I have put on the machine recently is whatever program automatically sets up the MagicJack. I don't know for sure that it caused the problems I experienced, but now I am very suspicious.
I am taking steps to remove that program (which is difficult as it is hidden, and there is no uninstall program for it).
I am sorry I got this thing, and am even more sorry to have posted the initial information. I am taking the MagicJack back and have this recommendation:
SHOUTING: DO NOT BUY OR INSTALL A MAGICJACK ON YOUR COMPUTER.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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