As promised, I have ready for you eager readers, my review of the magicJack. My first dilemma was whether or not I should wait until September 6th, when magicJack Plus will be released, to make my purchase. Because of the need for a dedicated line for my business (seeing as how the minutes usage for my cell phone was getting near my limit), I decided to go ahead and purchase the regular magicJack. After all, it is only $39.95 for the device and this includes a full year of service.
My first impression of the device was, "Wow. This is it?" All that was included in the packaging was the magicJack itself, a manual, and a 3-inch USB extension cord. I read the instructions and followed them accordingly. This was particularly hard for me to do because I rarely follow instructions, but I wanted to make sure it would work correctly. I simply plugged the magicJack into my computer, plugged my phone into the magicJack via a phone cord, waited about 5 minutes for the setup up to complete, and BAM! I was at the registration screen. I typed in my name, address, all that nonsense, and was presented with a few screens asking if I wanted a "vanity number" or any extras. Of course, I declined these because, well, I don't want or need it.
Next, the registration prompted me to select my area code, 903, which I did. The only drawback here was that Palestine was not available, so I selected the next nearest city, Kilgore. Hence the "903-483" number. I contacted customer service, who informed me that they are still expanding the number of cities who are included in magicJack's database. I won't hold my breath for Palestine. It may take years to get a 729 or 723 number. This is ok, though, because at a price of $39.95 per year, I'm willing to make this sacrifice.
Once finished with selecting my options, that was it. I was presented with a window on my computer which enabled me to view my call log or make calls directly from my computer using my headset! I wasn't aware of this feature when I bought it, so I was pleasantly surprised.
I have read a lot of complaints about users being required to connect the device to their computer. Personally, I love it. I basically live on my computer, so the more I can do directly from my computer, the better. But what about those of us who do not want to leave our computers on all the time to use the phone? First of all, why would you purchase a device that requires internet to operate and expect it to work without internet? Very contradictory that is. Also, most folks turn their computers off when they go to sleep. Do you really want the phone ringing at 3:00 in the morning? I didn't think so. "What about if there is an emergency?" I'm sure all of us are aware of the nifty "not-so-new" devices called cell phones. Keep your cell phone on. As for me, my magicJack is used for business, so when I turn my computer off at 11:00 at night, it's ok because if a client is trying to call me at 3:00 in the morning... this is a problem. That is, unless I have given them my cell phone number and expect to be awaken due to some sort of technical emergency. But again... cell phone.
I've also read complaints about not having phone service when a user's internet goes down. People... there is a reason it is called VoIP (Voice Over IP). The device needs internet to work. If your phone isn't working because your internet is down, don't complain to magicJack. Complain to your ISP, because it is their fault that your internet, and consequently phone, is not working.
What most people fail to realize is that most phone companies charge at least $39.95 a month for phone service. When I'm getting phone service for $39.95 per year, I'm not going to complain about the little things. It works when I need it to, so that's good enough for me.
I'm not here to rant, though. :)
I have made a few test calls with my phone using magicJack and am very pleased with the call quality. I have only had it a few days now, but have yet to experience any issues with it.
Overall, I would give the magicJack a 4.5/5 stars. I would give it a whole 5 stars, but they did not have Palestine listed for available phone numbers; however, I am still extremely pleased with this nifty little gadget.
