MagicJack VoIP Review: Equipment + 1 Year of Phone Service For Only $40?
Since my SunRocket service went bankrupt, I’ve been living with just a cell phone. It’s actually been fine so far, but I’m just not ready to give up on traditional phones just yet. I like having multiple headsets around the house and not having to worry about minutes (all those hold times for customer reps add up). My initial idea was to get a real phone number with Skype (~$60+/year) and getting a $50 D-Link USB Phone adapter that replicates a phone jack, but the reviews were hit and miss.
Then I ran across something similar by a start-up called MagicJack. It only cost $40 and includes one year of unlimited incoming/outgoing calls with free long distance. You can also call to the US from international locations, but you can’t call to international countries at all. At first, I was skeptical, but then a reader e-mailed me last week and said it works great. I figured, for $40, why not try it out? There’s even a 30-day return policy. Here are my experiences:
Ordering and Shipping
I found a coupon code ‘SUNROCKET’ that knocked off the $3.95 shipping, so I spent $39.95 total. I received prompt order and shipping confirmations via e-mail, and it arrived just 4 days later. It was shipped in a small padded envelope via First Class mail for $1.81 - very economical! See below for a picture of the unopened product.
First Impressions and Installation
This thing really is tiny! It’s the size of a Zippo lighter. One end is USB (and thoughtfully comes with a 1 ft. USB extension cord), and the other end is a phone jack. It only supports Windows XP and Vista, so Mac folks are out of luck for now.
When I first plugged it in, nothing happened. The 1-page manual said “Take it out, and try another USB port.” I did that, and a small blue light on the MajicJack turned on, and it started to self-install on my computer. No CDs required. It proceed to make sure my firewall was configured correctly, and then asked me some personal address info for 911 service and also to pick my phone number.
A catch is revealed! Here, I was disappointed to discover that you can only get phone number in selected area codes of selected states. Currently they are CO, DC, MD, MI, MN, NV, TN, VA, and WA (see screenshot below). Supposedly they are still adding more states and as they come along you can do a one-time switch to a new number. This should be more clearly listed on the website. 
(e911 still works based on the address you supply.)
One partial workaround is to combine a GrandCentral number with this service. Grandcentral has a lot more area codes, but also doesn’t cover the entire country.
Still, in about 5 minutes I had a phone number assigned to me and was all set up. I plugged in my phone and amazingly enough, there was a dial tone. I called out… worked fine. I called in… and my phone rang. Nice! The voice quality was okay, not awesome and not awful, but that may be because I was doing this all via a wireless broadband connection. You can even switch it to work via computer headset, a la Skype.
Of course, there are negatives. You will need the computer to be on whenever you want your phone to work, so that may be annoying to some people. I also found that when I do reboot my computer, sometimes it takes a few tries to get it to start working again. You get voicemails sent to your e-mail address as .wav files, but there aren’t all of the different forwarding options and different rings that you might have gotten with SunRocket or other VoIP providers. I was also really hoping that my fax machine would work with MagicJack, but I haven’t had any successful transmissions yet.
Here’s another MagicJack review at DSLReports.
More Pictures
Summary
| Pros » Cheap! $40 a year for unlimited domestic calling! » Simple setup » …Did I mention it was cheap? |
Cons » Limited number availabilty » Must keep computer on at all times » Faxing may not work » Long-term viability is questionable » Few bells and whistles |
MagicJack essentially makes any traditional phone a USB plug-n-play phone. If you are willing to deal with the issues inherent in VoIP phones, this is a compelling product. If I had a local telephone number, this would be a slam dunk. It’s cheap enough that I’m willing to wait it out.
Another big issue is whether this sort of business model is sustainable. I mean, right now they are selling additional years of service for only $20! Can you smell another SunRocket meltdown? Do you really care if you break even after only two months? 
Find more in Frugal Living | 8/24/07, 5:37am | Trackback
August 24th, 2007 at 7:44 am
Skype works best for me. I got 1 year of unlimited long distance to US and Canada for $15. $15 for the whole year not per month. Hooked up a cordless Logitech phone and I was all set. I have had no issues in 8 months of everyday use. Note: $15 was a prmotional fee it is now $30. And I got my number for $30 for the year, now $60. Even with the price changes I will renew after my year was up.
August 24th, 2007 at 8:01 am
why pay when you can call anywhere in the US for free at:
http://earthcaller.com/
August 24th, 2007 at 8:30 am
I almost went this route, but with the Teleblend uprising………(and as questionable as they might have been early on)………..I’ve had good luck so far. I had one outage a couple weeks ago that lasted a few hours, but service was back up by the time I got home from work & I definitely consider that (and possibly more down the road like it) to be associated w/ an instantaneous overtaking that Teleblend has decided to take on themselves.
And at approx $14/mo and *only* paid MONTH TO MONTH, I can’t knock it.
While there’s been some questions as to how MagicJack will make enough money to stick around, I guess I’m maybe a foolish optimist……….but I think they will. Maybe they’ll have to raise pricing down the road, but I think it’s a great idea and am glad to see something totally unique like that come along.
August 24th, 2007 at 8:46 am
One question that I is, you mentioned
does anyone have experience on receiving calls from international locations ? If yes, is the quality of voice acceptable..and thirdly is it legal..
August 24th, 2007 at 9:33 am
There are some issues I am facing with magicJack. It worked great the first few days but now, i cant make a call or recieve a call using the phone. The phone I plugged into it refuses to make outgoing calls or ring if there is an incoming call (i tried diff phones).
It works great, but I have to dial using the computer and then using the phone to talk. It’s just me having these issues. I am sure others are fine. Its great for $40, but i am having some minor issues with it.
August 24th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Eh, I’ve heard bad things about the quality of VoIP…
August 24th, 2007 at 11:07 am
Dear Money Blog,
On telephone numbers: magicJack is adding Rate Centers every week. We will serve 75% of U.S. Rate Centers shortly. We are giving our Beta users a one-time free shot at changing numbers when we have a full selection ready. We hope to have close to 90% national coverage by years end.
On voice quality: We are one oof the only voice device players that controls our own national network with POPs in 31 cities. There is virtually no new market entrant that can match this penetration and network control. Always either run magicFix (from web site) or check you volume settings to improve voice quality.
On sustainability: magicJack Founder and CEO both have built and sold Billion Dollar public companies. The business model and company capital structure are impeccable.
On MAC: stay tuned. Coming soon.
Thanks for reviewing the product.
August 24th, 2007 at 11:35 am
For a few months I’ve been using 100% free service on my phone. You can do this a few ways, I got a linksys or sipura box, costs about 40 bucks or you can unlock your old sunrocket box, which will come out to costing you nothing, except your time.
I went to grandcentral.com, so then you get a local phone number. Then you can go to http://www.ipkall.com and get a number to convert your legacy grandcentral phone number into a SIP telephone. You get 100% free incoming, then for outgoing you just click on the person’s name in your grandcentral phone book and it will call your house and then connect you, 100% free. So no computer is required for incoming, and outgoing just use grandcentral.
You can do so many things and configure more than 1 provider on most boxes. Grandcentral and the gizmoproject have an agreement, so you can get free incoming and then outgoing you can pay 10 bucks for 500 minutes for 6 months worth, which is pretty cheap and it’s only outgoing.
I’m personally too cheap to spend a penny on something that’s free out there. The service I’m using is excellent and I think it’s better than when I had sunrocket.
You can even register at http://www.fwd.com and pick up the phone and dial a 6 digit phone number, which will call your friend/family member who has this same system. I’m making free calls in and out of the USA and free to other countries.
Since I’ve gone this way I can’t imagine ever going back to paying. I just pay for my cell phone. You can combine your tmobile top 5 with grandcentral and put a phone number you want to call free with your cell phone in grandcentral, then get grandcentral for forward to that phone number………………..then your using your cell phone to make 100% free outgoing phone calls……………….SO WHY EVER PAY WHEN THERE’S A HUNDRED WAYS NOT TO PAY.
It’s like when I hear about people who pay for AOL email or something silly. SIP technology is cheap and there’s a few free solutions and workaround.
August 24th, 2007 at 11:41 am
For t-mobile subscribers, look into Hot Spot @ Home. It is VOIP for your cell phone - whenever you are within your home wireless network or another network that doesn’t firewall against it (including all Starbucks), the minutes are unlimited for $10 a month.
August 24th, 2007 at 11:57 am
jbo,
There are thousand ways you can build your own home and your own car too
It’s a matter of convenience.
August 24th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
I should add that if you are really attached to your existing number, I don’t think you can port it over to MagicJack. Of course, if you’re attached to any number at all, VoIP may not be the best idea.
August 24th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Trakin,
I have been using voicepulse for the last year or two and have made and received international calls with no problems. The prices are nice as well; $0.06/minute to Norway and less for other parts of Europe. As far as quality is concerned, I had no more problem with calls to Norway than with local calls. I would say that depending on internet traffiic, quality is somewhere between traditional landline and a cell phone.
August 24th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
I have been running MagicJack since 7/20/07 with absolutely zero problems. I have it set up on my XP media server that is on 24/7 (no monitor though to save on electricity) and I’ve never had to reboot a single time. I am using a DECT 6.0 Uniden three handset setup in my house and I’ve also been able to send and receive faxes using MagicJack (Panasonic fax).
I have a Las Vegas 702 area code (I am in Los Angeles) but I have a GrandCentral local number forwarding to MJ (GC voicemail supercedes my MJ voicemail and Uniden answering machine). Will change MJ to a local area code when it becomes available. I pared down my AT&T POTS line to basic service ($15 w/ tax) for emergency purposes only.
I bought one for my mother in law who lives in Asia and hopefully MJ will work fine there also for free MJ to MJ calls! (I’ve read that this works for other users who have tried it in India and SE Asia)
August 24th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
MJ overseas can call any US number, not just MJ to MJ
August 24th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Thanks for dropping and leaving a note, Mr. Burns! Thanks for the offline tip about faxing too; I’ll try it out and update here if it works.
August 24th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
I just ordered the MagicJack and found that the sunrocket code is no longer valid. Too bad, would have liked to save those couple bucks but it’s no deal killer. I wish their website wouldn’t require installing software on the front page, though you can click on one of the links on top of the page to get by it.
As far as living 100% on cell phones, my family does it, although I do have one of the higher minute plans.
I ordered the unit as more of a curiosity to see how it will work out and to use when calling customer service. I highly doubt it will work in the environment I would LIKE to use it in, mainly due to the firewall restricting all ports other than 80, but we will see. If not, the kids can call Grandma more often without me complaining about all the minutes used. Anyone know if the settings stay with the unit or if you have to set it up each time you go from computer to computer?
August 24th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Melvin, thanks for the update. I just tried the code last night to double-check and it worked then, I guess it just expired.
I don’t know the answer about settings staying with the unit or not.
August 24th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
*&%!! I just tried to verify the code myself, but since it is on the last page, if you hit “enter” it just submits the order! Grrr. I put in a request to cancel the order, I hope they catch it in time.
BTW, the code didn’t work for me either.
August 25th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
i am not sure but i think MJ messed up my laptop USB ports.
August 26th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
I wonder if there is the possibility that it is pulling too much power out of the jack if you connect too many devices, ie extensions?
August 27th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Melvin, that might be a possibility with the older laptops. Because MJ also has a light bulb in it apart from other stuff that needs power. well anyway, my usb now says that there is a malfunction bla bla bla and says something about power failure when i plug stuff in.
when i put my finger in the usb to see whats wrong, some sparks appeared. i dont know if MJ caused it but it looks like it did.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:29 am
magic jack is working in India. One of my friend called from Hyderabad. So Indian can enjoy Magicjack.
August 30th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Well, I received my MagicJack today, plugged it in and about 5 minutes later I am up and running. More than the 60 seconds that the package says, but it did have to download updates and the firewall software tried to block it a couple times. I wish there was a Hawaii option, maybe it’s one of those 31 cities they are advertising to be here next week in August, but next week to me seems like it will be September?
August 31st, 2007 at 5:08 am
Now if we could only find free broadband internet!
August 31st, 2007 at 5:36 am
Just turn on your laptop and look for a “linksys” or “netgear” WiFi channel ID… that’s what I do
September 3rd, 2007 at 9:10 am
Sunday Review #35
We hope that our audience is enjoying the long weekend like us. Its great fun to sit back and enjoy a Sunday with no thoughts about going to work on Monday since that is a holiday too! So we took our time to visit the different carnivals and festivals …
September 4th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Magic is ok. For $40 you cannot beat it. Quality is ok. My telephone # changed on me after 3 weeks of use! They have yet to fix it. Takes up some memory on your computer. So if you have slow computer and slow internet connection this will not work for you. For a secondary home or business number it is worth the $40 year. I would not use it as a primary number if incoming phone calls are important. No call foward from magic jack.
September 4th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
I just wish they implemented conference calling. Once I figured out that the cheapo phone I was using was picking up the radio station, voice quality has been excellent. B has started using it and for once we are on track for using less than half our cell minutes rather that going over. Another complaint is that I wish the program had a way to turn of the application gracefully rather than just having to pull the plug. Isn’t it standard practice to put some way to exit the program, even if you are going to get warned repetatively?
September 10th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Just a heads up, it appears the price for the second year is going up as the price went up at the talk4free site, yet is still the same at MagicJack site.
September 15th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Does anyone have caller-id with magicjack??
September 16th, 2007 at 6:26 am
Martin,
All of your call made from the magicJack transmit Caller ID to the distant number. Check you Menu Drop Down to insure that do don’t have Caller ID blocked.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
I have used magicJack for about two weeks with super results. I have it on at work as an extra phone line, and it’s being run by a 500Mhz Celeron, 256MB of RAM, running WinXP (an old, retired computer, brought out of retirement for MJ).
I had some e-mails with support personnel who are top-notch. Overall, you cannot go wrong with trying it.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Went from Sunrocket to magicJack/grandcentral. Been using magicJack for about a week, no problems. It’s really advisable to get a grandcentral number (grandcentralinvites.com) & give that number to everyone, so you don’t have to hand out a new number everytime you want to try a new phone service. Your grandcentral number is local to you, and will forward incoming calls to your cell and whatever other phones you have, and all your voicemail goes to one place. Sorry this sounds like an ad for grandcentral, I’m just really loving it. Makes magicJack twice as good.
October 6th, 2007 at 4:49 am
you cansend FAXES for free @ http://www.faxzero.com.
November 30th, 2007 at 7:43 am
I installed majicjack a couple of days ago. It works reasonably well, but siince I installed it I am not able to hear sound with videos–such as those from youtube. Any ideas?
December 10th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
My blue light no longer comes on and I’m unable to use my phone. I can make calls from the computer using my mic; but It no longer works with my phone. I’ve plugged it in to different USB ports with out any luck. I’ve rebooted my computer and It shows some type of error that I must by pass….any suggestions to fix this problem. Thank You
December 19th, 2007 at 1:56 am
i got the magic jack a few days before and worked for just 2 days. although the majic jack opens and all that after booting i am unable to make any calls or receive any calls. can any one suggest wht went wrong in 2 days?
December 26th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Try the following if your magicjack is not working. Since it is plugNplay USB device. Just like any other device.
- Try unistalling the software from Add/Remove programs in Windows
- Right click on the USB icon in the right corder of the taskbar and select magicjack usb drive and select to remove it.
- disconnect the magicjack usb from computer and disconnect the phone from the magicjack usb and restart your computer.
- Login back to your computer, try to plug the magicjack usb to different usb port of your computer, one the program is installed successfully, try to connect the phone to magicjack usb.
- Still having problems? Call or email the magicjack customer service. Their customer service sucks…
January 1st, 2008 at 8:46 am
I am truely frustrated. Help!! I purchased the MagicJack because like the CEO Don Burns said they have added a lot of area codes and I have a Metro Atlanta number now. I have successfully used my Magic Jack for one day via my wireless connection to my cable modem. However, I have tried all the trouble shooting recomendations from the MJ website and no matter whcih machine I plug MJ into it bounces back between error 3 and error 401. The MagicFix says everything is OK, but MJ still doesn’t work. Man what a disappointment. I was hoping MJ would be my way of helping everyone I know to break free from TELCO HELL. I ran into an older gentlemen last night at Wally World and his son is still paying AOL HELL $35.00 a month. I gave him the info to break free via AT&T DSL Direct (Nake DSL) which is now 100 availible in the old 9 state BELLSOUTH territory. Sorry, to flip subjects slightly, but like JBO stated way back on Aug. 24th I am keeping all my options open. Got to cut costs and my Vonage has become a little unstable and I can’t pin it down between my Comcast service burbing, or my NetGeear Router sucking wind (N-series) or the new stand-alone Vonage phone adapter being crap. So any suggestions is appreicated.
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:25 pm
To KLGJR, I believe you need to login to your firewall settings and make sure to allow all traffic to pass except DNS, and NetBIOS
I kept getting error 3 as well and checked everything under the sun until finally I lowered my firewall settings and seems to be okay now.
You can also go to this site to test your VoIP: http://www.testyourvoip.com/index.html
Good luck
January 11th, 2008 at 5:46 am
To Dan:
FYI, I turned off my firewall and my anti-virus programs and still got the error 3 and error 401. So I am going to take it to a new extreme.
I am going to rebuld my alternate desktop machine with Windows XP w/SP2, but I am not going to install any 3rd party firewalls or anti-virus. If it works then I will troubleshoot backwards with MJ tech support to figure it out. Thanks for the suggestion.
KLGJR
January 12th, 2008 at 6:57 am
I am also getting the same error as KLGJR, since the magic jack made some maintenance on 11th 8pm EST. the error message is “please restart your magicjack and try again [error 401]” some times the error 3 also popups. I dont think there is any firewall issue
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I bought my MJ several weeks ago. It is terrible. I can hear p600erfectly, but everyone I call complains about lousy audio, so I have to use my cell phone. This product seems to work for lot of other people, but it’s rotten for me. The big problem is that you cannot talk or communicate in with any person at Magic Jack. No customer support of any kind. As such, this thing gets a grade of F-. A total waste of money.
travis t600@msn.com
January 25th, 2008 at 7:27 am
I have one MJ and it works very good. The only question is… If it gets damaged can I replace it with another unit for 1/2 the price and keep the same number?
February 17th, 2008 at 11:27 am
I have WASTED so much time getting this work. I am an advanced computer user. You make one call fine and then 30 minutes of rebooting and other issues. FORGET gettting it to work at all with Vista. It does NOT keep a connection. TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY — Wish I never heard of them. Since is less than beta, they should have given it to us for free.
Do not waste your time or money on this.
March 3rd, 2008 at 7:13 am
I had the error 3 issue. Went through 2 frustrating calls to customer service. Then had one of the real brains call me back and it was resolved in 2 mins (needed to reboot my DSL modem and router). BTW, Avast works fine as an antivirus with Magicjack AND it is free for home use!
March 10th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I have magicjack it does not work anymore,I have the phone number,I tried it on two computers,I also used two different phones. I can’t get the solfphone up on my screen anymore. I would like to kept it only if I can getr it to work again.
March 11th, 2008 at 2:47 am
Thanks for the info! I was about to purchase MJ… It’s not worth the headache.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I just wanted to update everyone that my Netgear RangeMax NEXT Wireless Router Gigabit Edition - Model #: NTG WNR854T100NAS just gave up the ghost after 4 months and 20 days of use. I replaced it with a Linksys WRT350N router and my Vonage and my Magic Jack are BOTH working where they both were having issues before. I ran the “Magic Fix” and it updated the java code on my Magic Jack device and everything is back to square one. So if you have a Netgear Router of any kind it may be causing you untold grief. I am now going to use my MJ all the time to see how reliable that it is. If it holds up I will get another so my daughter can call us from her college using a local phone number……
March 11th, 2008 at 11:39 am
can someone invite me to join grandcentral my email is uberdesignchic@gmail.com
March 13th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
With a magicjack, if you do not have a local #, will people calling you locally be charged long distance.
March 13th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
“With a magicjack, if you do not have a local #, will people calling you locally be charged long distance.”
Yes.
—
For the curious, I have stopped using my MagicJack completely. It would require the occasional reboot of my computer, and that was too much hassle when I could just keep using my cell phone. For $40 I suppose it was worth a shot, but I wonder if I can resell it on eBay…
March 14th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Response to bgeisert
For sound on Windows XP–go to:
Start
Control Panel
Sound, Speach, Audio Devices
Sound and Audio Devices
Click on the Audio Tab
In Sound playback area, click on SoundMax Digital Audio or your sound maker
Hope this was helpful
March 14th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Thanks, Jonathan for the info.
March 14th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Magicjack is not working
I had it working for 1 day, then moved it to another computer and it stopped working
It is not recoqnized by computer,can ‘t see it in windows explorer!!
it is as if its no a USB device, i have tied almost everything
I was looking to get a USB driver for it, but customer support is useless..can someone help
March 14th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Sandra,
Thank You! Sound was driving me crazy with You Tube
March 14th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I also have magicjack,It worked for one day only,There is nothing that you can do.I would have liked to be able to speak to some one,how ever,We lost the fourty dollars.I hear some one is going to the better business people,however you can not trace them anyway.
March 14th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Who can one place a complant with?
March 15th, 2008 at 9:29 am
HI joe:
Well, I purchased mine with a credit card–and if I don’t get a refund–I will put it in as an unauthorized charge–they can track them from there. Believe me–they don’t want to start messing around with the credit card people–they can garnish their account–they do it with other people that owe them. AAaaaaaaaaite.
sandra
March 20th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I got this after using skype and love the advantage of using my phone with it instead of purchasing an expensive VOIP phone. The quality is great much better that skype and I can have phone number with all the great features like voice mail, 911 service, and caller ID. No one offers this full service for this small of a price. I am using this as a second line for my part time business. The only issue I have is the limited area codes they have to offer, hope this get better in the future.
March 21st, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Got my MagicJack yesterday. So far I have spent alot of time trying to get it to work-5 technical chats. I was advised to remove all music software. And also to uninstall all virus software (disabling wasnt enoughj they said) Now my computer is minus much software and I cannot get any web based email up-gmail and hotmail web pages will not appear. I can surf the internet though. Oh…one more thing MagicJack does not work !!!
March 24th, 2008 at 8:28 am
I have had MagicJack for about 45 days. Other than an occasional reboot issue in which I had to reinstall the MagicJack software, no real major issues. I have four extensions hooked up to it with no problem. I have had it on a wireless access through a notebook (worked OK) and through a pc directly connected to a router. Call quality is OK, not great, not bad. There are issues using the keypad for automated stuff (press 1 etc) so we just use cells for that. Overall $19.95 compared with $600 to AT&T, I am more than willing to put up with some idiosyncrancies.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:38 am
To Bill
Your welcomed
March 25th, 2008 at 11:34 am
had it a day now it works,friends who have it says it works.just the area code issue now. keep those good response coming in.what about free cable instate and internatoinal tv.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
this piece of Magic Crap will be gone before the summer !!! I am investigating ALL of the “inventor’s” rip-off’s including Dan’s 20 million dollar house (worth half now. LOL) and his IRS ’situation” regarding his dealings. Remember 10-10-2-20 ??? That is another product from this SCAM artist !!! If you want to get on TV I am gathering several unhappy ex-customers to visit his “castle’ in Palm Beach. I live on ft. laud bch., and my email is schafe1001@aol.com if you would like to BE HEARD!!!
The way you “should be” heard according to this SCAM BOX !!!
March 25th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Watch him bragging on YouTube video about how much he is making on “hedge funds”….notice the market was at 10,000 then…….I believe HIS BIG MOUTH has COST him a pretty penny and WE shouldn’t buy his lousy product to BAIL him out !!!! Sorry, Dan the inventor, the people you ripped off will be seeing (and suing) you SOON !!!
March 31st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I got my MJ in Jan 08. I did not like it,so I sent it back. I tried to contact customer service. But they are just giving me a hard time. I want my money back. It’s going on three months. I guess it’s time to contact the BBB. Dan the inventor SUCKS
April 1st, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Hi nikki
I ordered Majic Jack in February–sent one back and they received it on March 5, 2008–they didn’t return my money to my credit card until I got the BBB and my credit card people on to them. Finally on March 21, 2008 they returned my money–dag–their customer service sucks biiiiiiggggg time.
I will never buy another product from them again–trust me
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:28 am
I got mine earlier and just had a chance to try it out and so far I am very happy with the quality. The install was pretty easy with minor issues at first, mainly my fault. Anyways incoming and outgoing calls from my phone works like a charm. Audio quality so far is great, but I only tested calling and leaving a message on my cell voicemail. Overall I am very satisfied, I don’t have a landline and only used my cell and now I actually have phones in my house. There is one downside, my area code wasn’t available and I had to use a different one, but apparently MJ allows you to change your number one time for free so when it becomes available that’ll be the first thing I’ll do. Just so everyone knows, I am using XP, DECT 6.0 phone system, and cable internet on my secondary computer that is always on.
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:39 am
WARNING. I got my magicJack in mid Jan. 2008. Quality of sound and connection was terrible. On Jan. 27 I asked for RMA number and returned unit Jan. 29, 2008.
As of today Apr. 02, 2008, still no refund. I have asked for response many times with no results.
Recommend NOT to deal with unethical type company such as this.
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:47 am
i tried it for a week and sent it back the price ws good it installed fast but thats it on the second day no voice mail no 911 every one i alled complained they could not hear me this is worse than vonage and thats bad the tech people read from a book when you chat on line with them and nothing they tell you works as with anything brand new it would be a good idea to wait till the get the kins out of it before jumping in
April 4th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Contrary to all the bad comments here, I am a low tech type person. I ordered a MJ, received it priority in 5 days 3/31/08. Installed on 3 different xp machines. All working, all voice quality I am told if cell phone quality or better. In all cases I attached a conventional wireless phone to the MJ and use a conventional headset with each unit. If a call doesn’t work, I just hang up and redial. I find many more local numbers including my smaller town than there were available a few months ago. I think they have improved many of the conditions cited in 2007 and in the early beta stage. Pleased so far. The trial is free minus postage.
April 4th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
After testing it out a bit, I can better give my opinion. For me, the incoming sound quality is very good and outgoing quality is adequate to good. The downside, it needs a pc to be always on if you want to use it as a dedicated phone to know when incoming calls are coming. You also need a very fast broadband connection and I use the fastest Comcast provides residential. Even with broadband your download may be fast, but upload may be slow and with VoIP technology you want upload pretty fast aswell. Another problem I had using this device with wireless, it kept disconnecting from the internet so I had to connect my desktop directly to my router which fixed that problem. For me, this device works great. I never needed to contact thier support or tech and from what I read, I hope I never do. Also this is VoIP like Skype and Vonage and they all have similar problems people don’t realize, so unless you know you have pretty fast broadband with fast uploads and know what you’re getting into, then I wouldn’t recommend VoIP.
April 4th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I wish to return the magic Jack as I do not habve fast Internet but only dialup which is too slow for this service. Thank you and Please send return instructions via Email.
Sincerely,
Eugene Castanier.
April 6th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Bought MJ a week ago to use as a phone service for a small startup business. So far I’ve been experiencing a number of problems. Voice quality is variable; sometimes good, sometimes virtually inaudable. Voicemail is completely unreliable. Their troubleshooting site claims they are upgrading routers and firmware and that for the moment the system is down. They say “Please be patient” but no word on how long. I’m going to give the MJ another week or so of trial and if reliability doesn’t greatly improve I’ll have to return it. It’s too bad because it’s a great idea. Unfortunately I think they have yet to get the bugs worked out and have grown to fast prematurely.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I just signed up to get my free trial magicjack and will post my updates later
April 8th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Hey Mr. Burns, heard from the IRS yet???
April 8th, 2008 at 6:36 am
I can’t wait till the BIG SURPRISE Don; I hope you are ready to “reap what you sowed”………..
April 8th, 2008 at 6:47 am
To Tony re: your refund
I have many people with the same problem getting their money back from “honest” Don Burns the inventor. Anyway, I live on Ft. Lauderdale Beach and am getting a permit to protest on his 20 million dollar mansion in Palm Beach and will have at least 20-30 people with BIG SIGNS for the “bored” MEDIA in Palm Beach to get on the local 11pm news about this “situation”. I also “hear” from a RELIABLE source that this man has IRS problems as well–> not hard to believe when you read about his “trickery” in biz. Let me know if you still have not gotten your money, that way you can be represented if you can’t come protest in person. BTW, he lives in a very nice neighborhood and that is why I am getting a PERMIT for this. THE MEDIA WILL SHOW AND TELL, you will get your money back !!!
April 8th, 2008 at 6:52 am
# nikki says Says:
March 31st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I got my MJ in Jan 08. I did not like it,so I sent it back. I tried to contact customer service. But they are just giving me a hard time. I want my money back. It’s going on three months. I guess it’s time to contact the BBB. Dan the inventor SUCKS
# svirgo1 Says:
April 1st, 2008 at 10:40 pm
A PERMIT TO PROTEST ON HIS 20 MILLION DOLLAR HOUSE IS IN THE WORKS. HE LIVES IN PALM BEACH AND I AM IN FT. LAUD. BEACH.
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT THERE, LET US KNOW YOUR NAME AND PROBLEM. WE WILL ADD YOUR NAME TO A LIST OF OVER 100 NAMES THAT HAVE BEEN ‘RIPPED OFF’ !!! THIS WILL BE ON THE LOCAL 11PM NEWS IN THAT BORED AND SCANDALOUS NEIGHBORHOOD. NOT TO MENTION SOME ONE WILL CALL THE POLICE (( hope !!)
April 8th, 2008 at 6:57 am
# les Says:
March 21st, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Got my MagicJack yesterday. So far I have spent alot of time trying to get it to work-5 technical chats. I was advised to remove all music software. And also to uninstall all virus software (disabling wasnt enoughj they said) Now my computer is minus much software and I cannot get any web based email up-gmail and hotmail web pages will not appear. I can surf the internet though. Oh…one more thing MagicJack does not work !!!
SO TRUE !!!! My email is schafe1001@aol.com if you are looking into getting on the local news about your experience.
Marc Schaeffer,
Computer Tech, LLC.
April 8th, 2008 at 7:01 am
WHY WOULD SOMEBODY PERMANANTLY REMOVE “GOOD” SOFTWARE TO FIX A PIECE OF CRAP? DO NOT REMOVE YOUR MUSIC SOFTWARE TO INSTALL THIS ”JUNK”// jUST QUICKLY GET A REFUND BEF0RE THEY ARE OUT OF BIZ !!
April 8th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Hi:
I just want to say that Dan Barislow is no longer the owner of majic Jack. I think he sold it, it’s another guy who bought it, I can’t remember his name–he is the CEO or something like that. Dan is just the inventer..do some research before you go and protest on his property.
April 15th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
we received our magic jack and have had nothing but trouble and by that i mean we have wireless internet and it keeps booting us off line so the call doesn’t go through and most of the time the phone is garbled with static. we also have a phone number that is for chicago are but we don’t live in chicago. just hope someone can figure out how to fix these problems because it sure is a nice thing to have.
April 16th, 2008 at 9:55 am
To: Susam Fiscus:
I have had my MJ since late last year and had NOTHING but problems with it until I determined that my piece of crap Netgear N Series Router was causing ALL my problems!! Once it died and I replaced it with a Linksys 350 N, I have NEVER had to reboot it yet and my MJ works every time!! So before people go off the deep end, you need to try your MJ device on a machine that is hard wired to the internet connection aka patch cable then if it works with out a problem, then try connecting the MJ to a machine that is wireless. I use my MJ on any of my XP sp2 laptops and it connects to my router via wireless again no problems. Magic Fix correct just about any problem. I agree with Marc S from Ft. Lauderdale on one issue. This product IS NOT ready for PRIME TIME so unless you are willing to put up with the bumps in the road DON’T BUY THIS PRODUCT!! However, if you can deal with a “beta” product then I say go for it.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I received my MJ up here in the Leaf Nation and it installed on an XP SP2 machine in about one minute. It even upgraded during the install process. Ingress and egress calls have been working wonderfully with no “chirps”, “crackle” or annoying delay (actually the delay is so short it is not really noticed). It exceeded my expectations, and the voice message system works as well or better than many corporate systems. Voice messages are also emailed to me which is really sweat. Only once did outbound calls stop. I kept getting “three beeps” … I think that is some sort of connection error. Anyway, I reset my router and it hasn’t happened since. My experience has been excellent. I have made wonderful uninterrupted connections to friends across this great continent and border. My sound quality is better than mobile, and sometimes as good as a land line. I expect the product and/or service to simply improve over time. I hope my good experience continues.
April 20th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Hello All,
My name is Jim and I work for magicJack. I’ve spent some time today reading the comment thread and would like to share some perspective from the magicJack team.
Dan Borislow has spent the last 4 years of his life and has invested his own $$ in the development of the magicJack and into the phone network (certified CLEC in 50 US states) which supports magicJack phone calls. Dan’s primary objective for inventing the magicJack was to SAVE people alot of $$ on their phone bills while also providing the magicJack user a call quality experience which they’ve grown to expect from their phone company. The entire magicJack team is laser-focused on improving the entire magicJack product/customer experience and we’re working countless hours to make enhancements in all areas of our business. The magicJack was launched at the Consumer Electronics Show on January 7, 2008 — which is just about 100 days ago. In the near future, Dan Borislow will be issuing a ‘magicJack 100 Day Report Card’ which will provide our users with an overview of the achievements we’ve made to date and will outline areas where we realize we must continue to improve. Over the last 100 days, we’ve been widely embraced by our growing customer-base and have received great praise from many Tier 1 media outlets, technology experts and consumer advocates. We are most grateful to our satisfied customers and to all supporters of the magicJack. On the flip-side, we also recognize that any product which revolutionizes an industry or includes paradigm shifting technology is subjected to some early-stage detractors. There are a few examples who have posted on this site. To these folks, I pledge that we will continue to strive to make improvements on our product and our overall user experience — and, perhaps along the way we will win your favor — all the while, our goal will be to continue in our efforts to
build a loyal customerbase with our money-saving product.
A few historical points that need clarification: Dan Borislow was a pioneer in the competitive long-distance business in the ’90’s and his previous company saved millions of people $$ on their Long-Distance bills. His company was awareded the coveted JD Powers Award for Customer Satisfaction. Dan’s goal is to win the Award again with the magicJack.
I will post the ‘100 Day Report Card’ soon.
Best regards to all.
Jim D.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:41 am
My MJ has been working flawlessly for 15 days now. I’ve installed it on 3 different computers and it only balked at one because I had the security settings wrong. Once this was straighted out I can move it between all 3 computers and it is up and running in < 60 seconds. It forwards calls, captures caller IDs, and sends voice emails exactly as I set it up. Maybe I’ll get a surprise later but for now I’d like to believe Jim D. above. By the way, before I used MJ I had Vonage and I thought Vonage was problematic and causing lots of problems on my comcast broadband cable system. It turned out that comcast discovered that my cable connector at the trunk line in our apartment building needed replaced. Haven’t had any problems with Vonage, Cable, or MJ since. Of course I’ll be dropping my Vonage if the MJ keeps up the good work it is doing now.
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:30 am
I bought the MJ waited for 8 days. When it arrived I tried it on VISTA with no luck. Outgoing calls work fine (sometimes) but incomming didn’t work at all. Rx’ing end could not hear me at all. I tried it on 3 other computers both XP and Vista and 2 different networks with 4 different phones. NO GOOD!!! I spent 3 hrs online with customer service and they all had me doing the same thing. They have no idea what to do either. MJ might be a good thought but its a P.O.S. DONT BUY IT!!!
April 28th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Would you like to sell this product to Spanish speakin people?, there is a great market out there, I can help, please contact me if you are interested.
Sincerely.
Hector Gomez
Mobile 626 506 5291
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:19 am
I’ve bought MJ two weeks ago. I sent to my wife abroad US. It’s easy to install, not problem with XP SE. She can hear me properly but I can only hear her in a very low volume. It was not possible to solve the problem from control panel, audio device. I have a very fast internet connection. This problem makes MJ until know useless for me. I haven’t received any answer yet from technical support.
I read that this problem have been experienced by many user.
Any advice will be appreciated at danielarduino at hotmail.com
Thanks
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 am
I’ve bought MJ two weeks ago. I sent to my wife abroad US. It’s easy to install, not problem with XP SE. She can hear me properly but I can only hear her in a very low volume. It was not possible to solve the problem from control panel, audio device. I have a very fast internet connection. This problem makes MJ until know useless for me. I haven’t received any answer yet from technical support.
I read that this problem have been experienced by many users.
Any advice will be appreciated from anybody with a simillar problem at danielarduino at hotmail.com or in this site.
Thanks
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:35 am
Mr Jim D.
I’m a user of MJ. MJ sounds like an excellent product. And I agree it could be revolucionary. But I have the following problem without solution.
I’m using Window XP SE, everything looks great wiht MJ. But the person receiving the phone call is leasing the voice extremely low.
MJ allow to increase the volume of the speaker but not the microfone. Could your company improve this problem or solve it with and upgrade of the soft/driver?
From Control Panel Audio Devices is not possible to solve the severe inconvenience.
I tried to contact technical service without answer yet.
Thanks
Sergio A.
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
To Sergio:
Try adjusting or see if your mute button on the XP speaker panel is checked muted. If not just turn up the volume. Yiit-di-deee!!
May 3rd, 2008 at 3:45 am
Thanks Mslaprada.
I’ve already checked it. I think is something different.
MJ like Skype; should have the possibility to increase the volume of the microphone not only the speaker volume.
But I appreciate any suggestion to solve the problem.
May 7th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I ordered 1 and before I knew it, got an email confirmation that showed they were sending three unless I replied and made changes. Replied right away to correct it and was told it had already been sent. The main problem now is that they went ahead and charged my account for a whopping $59.85 that I did not have and that has put my account over and I’m pissed because I only decided to try their offer of 30 days free after which you’ll get charged if you decide to keep it. They are not helpful at all by email and I need to speak with a real person. I got the product in 4 days and refused it without opening it and have also created an RMA ID # but have not yet heard from these people. I really smell fish because these people are prying people’s hands open and forcefully taking their movey. Otherwise, why do they have such poor customer service. Can anyone please give me the customer service contact number for Magic Jack?
May 7th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I don’t the real information in front of me tonight. I will search my records and get you the contact information I have. My first suggestion before you do anything else is to contact your credit card and dispute the charge immediately to get it reversed. If you used a Bank Debit Card then get the local branch of the bank that you use and sign the paper work to get the charges reversed and your account restored. Make sure you speak directly to your branch manager to make sure the bank understands how urgent the situation is as well. Also, when you get time you need to contact “Clark Howard” the national consumer action talk show host. He will want to know how you have been treated as well. I will get back to you as soon as my schedule allows with more information. Call Clark Howard!!!
May 7th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Thank you so much KLGJR. I appreciate the information and I have contacted my bank and they advised that since I returned the merchandise I needed to wait and find out first if the merchant has gotten it back and thats why I need to contact them directly by phone because they are not responding to my email. thanks again, I will wait for you to get back with the rest of the info. Please how can I contact Clark Howard?
May 8th, 2008 at 9:42 am
To Stay @ Home Mom:
You can reach Clark Howard at his website…http://clarkhoward.com/
You can call the Consumer Action Center @ (404) 892-8227. Tell the person you talk to the situation and see if they will priortize your situation to the front of the line and get you on the air with Clark. Also, if you did not request the additional items (MJ’s) you have every right under Federal Law to dispute the charge and have it removed from your credit card or your money returned to your checking account since it is FRAUD. Let me know how it goes from there. I will let you know when I have the contact info for Dan B the inventor of MJ. I only have 900 emails to search through. Please stand by.
KLGJR
May 8th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
To Stay @ Home Mom:
Here is an email address for Dan Borislow the inventor of the MJ.
DBORISLOW@aol.com
He answers pretty quickly to this address. So raise your concerns to him there and hopeful you can get resolution. Thanks
KLGJR
May 8th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
okay,so ive been reading about this,and i have seen it on t.v., but no where can i find a contact number,so i can call and ask questions,does anyone know if this would work in iraq??or if you know of something that would?? this would be geat for my husband,but i need details,or a contact number,its really irritateing not being able to talk to anyone to find this stuff out!!! thanks!!!!!!
May 12th, 2008 at 6:37 am
MAGICJACK.COM INSTRUMENT AVALIABLE TO INDIA TO INDIA CALLING
May 12th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Thanks KLGJR, you have been really helpful. I have contacted my bank and was advised to wait and find out if the merchant has already received their product that I refused and returned to them with an RMA ID#. I had a chat with one of MJ cust. service and he told me that as soon as they got it back, I would have my money returned to my account in 2 days and this was last week Wednesday. It’s been a week since I returned the package and they should have gotten it by now but I haven’t gotten my money back. I will send an email to Mr. Borislow and see what he says after which I will then know if I should go ahead to file a dispute. My bank will take care of it but they just need to know first that the merchant is unwilling to return my money before they can take care of me and then go after the merchant. Thank you again.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:28 am
To Stay @ Home Mom:
Did you also try to talk to Clark Howard??? I think he would be interested in knowing about you situation and not only how MJ people treated you, but also, your bank. Take care and hope it all works out soon.
KG
May 13th, 2008 at 9:31 am
To: Nichole:
The answer is maybe. It depends on what computer network your husband is on. All it takes is a computer “firewall” to block the traffic between the MJ device and the MJ Central Office and it will give you nothing, but failures.
Here is the email address to the MJ inventor, ask him directly:
DBORISLOW@aol.com
KG
May 13th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I bought a MagicJack and experienced problem after problem with it since. First, it arrived 30 day later and never worked properly. Moreover, I have lost about 20 hours total chatting with them without any results. Secondly, they refused to replace it, even though they admit it is defective. Thirdly, they refuse to give me back my money.
If I can recommend 1 thing to everybody that reads this, it is to stay away from that company and its products.
May 14th, 2008 at 5:24 am
I stumbled unto this forum trying to find a fix for my MJ. Mine works fine, I can make calls, receive calls, and send/receive faxes, ONLY in the first 10-15 mins of when I restart the s/w. After that first 10-15 mins I get the message “Please connect to the Internet, and double click here [error 4]”
Well I have opened the ports, turned off all anti-virus/firewalls, changed my Preferred DNS server address. I’ve even changed computers. I have two of these MJs and would like to get this going, as everyone has ran into with MJs support (sucks) they have no answers.
any help?
May 14th, 2008 at 8:40 am
My MJ is on the way for my free 30 day trial, but it sounds like my phone has to be directly plugged into it. Is that correct? My lap tap is wireless which will be kindof pointless if it has to be connected to a phone all of the time. Not to mention I have phones in different parts of my house. Will they be useless? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciatd.
May 14th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
To: 71k21b
What is your home network configuration??? What type of broadband connect are you using and what brand of router. It does make a difference!!! Let me know.
KLGJR
May 14th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
To: hmboj1976
Same basic question to you about your home network configuration. Your configuration determines where you plug in your MJ. Let me know. Here is a sample of my home network configuration.
I have a Windows XP w/SP2 laptop that I plug my MJ in to the USB port and I am connected to my broadband connection via the wireless nic of my laptop and can use my MJ from that point on my home network or I can plug my MJ into my desktop workstation and use the rj11 wiring in my home to run the phones all over the house. I have Vonage on my primary connection. I have MJ as a test since I have one child going off to college and one going back to IRAQ and I want to connect to them with a local phone number!!
May 14th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
To: KLGJR
I have WinXP Pro SP3, connect to Embarq ADSL via: ZyXEL p-660r, have nothing eles connected to this connection. Here is a link to my modem/router http://www.zyxel.com/web/produ.....84F5A06405
Regards
Brad
May 14th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
does that help?
May 14th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
OK. Well, I have an inspiron 1501 Dell, my wireless router is belkin 2.4ghrz. I don’t have another computer. I have cable internet. I’m wondering if I can plug the phone line from MJ back into the phone jack in the wall to send the signal through the whole house. It’s not a deal breaker. It would just be nice. I read an article with the inventor of MJ which said he has no plans to make it directly compatible with a router which would have been awesome. I guess My wireless computer is going to be tethered if I want phone service:(
May 15th, 2008 at 6:39 am
To Brad (71k21b):
I used to get the kind of messages that you are explaining when I had a Netgear Router N Series Router. When I switched routers to a Linksys ALL of my MJ problems went away. For you and the other folks on this blog I went back to my notes and found my reference to the “unofficial magic jack forum, however, I am seeing that some one has planned spyware on the site so I am not going to give out a URL that could come back to bite anyone. I do suggest that any one with a MJ issue to go to the http://www.dslreports.com site and look for the forum for Magic Jack on that site. That forum should be clean. Let me know if you have any other questions.
To hmboj1976: Let me know if you need any additional info as well.
Thanks
KLG
May 15th, 2008 at 7:10 am
To KLGJR:
I have a Linkys Router and I had all the problems possible with the MJ. I also tried a D-Link Router and the problems were the same. This product does not live to its promise.
Furthermore, they advertise for 1 Full Year of Free Long Distance. When the MJ does not work, they do not provide that service and they dont live up to their promise.
When you chat with them, they make it clear that their product has NO GUARANTEE WHATSOEVER. But then it is too late because you have fully paid for the MJ.
If they would make it clear on their website that they do not guarantee their product and that we buy the MJ an our own risk, nobody would buy it.
Now I realize that I have been taken.
It wont happen again with MJ.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Update:
I found what was causing my error 4 with my MJ. I’ve also done some test with F-secure software that was provided by Embarq DSL.
First things first, what was causing the error was a voip program that I have been using to play games online. Its called Teamspeak. If you or anyone that has this running on the computer that you have MJ running you will receive error code 4. I haven’t tried Ventrilo which is another popular voip program for gamers.
You can use F-secure on normal status if you want to use MJ. The only thing that will hinder your MJ service is the Content Controls, which will also give you a error 4. I suggest to leave this disabled.
I will make an update if I find anything else the makes MJ hiccup on my system.
Regards
Brad
May 24th, 2008 at 12:28 am
I ordered the Majicjack on a Monday night and received it Friday, not bad I paid for the rush processing. Hooked it up on a small computer I have that’s hooked to my TV set and had problems with it. I think that the USB port on the machine did not have enough power and failed to run it properly so I hooked it on my main computer and it worked perfectly. I only have one big complaint about this company it was supposed to be a 30 day trial and they charged my credit card the day I ordered it, that is false advertising and is just bad business. All I can say is the product does work but if they can’t afford to give 30 day trails then for heaven sake don’t sucker people you will get many bad post’s online and people will get turned off. Don’t think another company will not take your business because they are already planning on competing and they might do it the right way.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I took the free trail and found out it was not free the magicjack don’t work and they charged my card before the 31 days , they took the money right away and cost me more an overdraft now thats a rip off they said only $4.00 was being taken off but they took $50.00 instead. i can not return it because they cost me $100. for the thing and it don’t even work at all. MAGICJACK IS A RIP OFF
May 27th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
To Wendy:
I understand that you are mad about the overdraft, but not having the funds in your account is not the people at MJ’s fault. If you post what errors, if any, and your system configuration we maybe able to help.
I too had problems at first, but it was software running on my system that was causing it to hicup.
As to a rip off: how could you call a phone system that only cost 39.99 for the first year and 19.99 for each year after a rip off. I mean really?
Brad B.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I’ve had MJ since May 5 and it has been flawless. I use it primarily for home use and I fully intend to keep it. I replaced Teleblend with it as they couldn’t get my dialtone back. [Beware when cancelling with them, they will leave it on til they use up what you have paid for instead of giving you a refund.] I have my MJ plugged to the house system and use 4 phones very well. We are having to get used to dialing the A/C!!!
May 30th, 2008 at 8:37 am
I talked to a representitive by Live Chat and was told that “error 3″ is usually a problem with being behind a firewall.
If you are behind a network/external firewall or router, you need to open the following ports: UDP 5061, TCP 80 and TCP 443.
June 1st, 2008 at 11:28 am
If you do buy a couple of Magicjacks, buyer beware about their shipping rip-off.
They do not honor the receipt they show you at the time of purchase.
When you buy two or more units your receipt will say one thing, but the actual bill on your Credit Card will be higher.
This is documented fraud exercised by this company, but since its “only” $6.95 per order, no one seems to care.
Since they have no Customer Support phone or EMail address, you cannot contact them about this type of problem.
Your only recourse is to go through your Credit Card company and demand a refund….not exactly a painless thing to do.
Like I have seen elsewhere…wait for a legitimate company to run with this idea.
Remember; to use this, you must already be paying for the Internet.
No one should be thinking this wasn’t a foreseeable device, just like Email is to Postal Mail.
Everyone was shocked at the notion of sending “Mail” without paying for a stamp.
There will be better thought-out products soon (like one’s that don’t need a computer) that work the same way.
June 11th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I was not told when the 30 days is up and how much my credit card will be charged. I also did not know that windows 2000 was not reccommended. I would like some contact as I think this is a good product.
June 14th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I knoticed others had this problem too. We installeed magicjack a day or two ago, and since then Our sound isn’t working for the interne. I can listen to My windows media player, so it’s not the sound settings on my computer, but youtube, crunchyroll, all of my TV sites, none of them have sound.
Ideas on what happened? Solutions? (dear god let there be solutions)
June 14th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Nevermind my sound problem. I was reading through the comments and saw the answer to my problem. Sorry to take up space.
Thanks Sandra, it worked.
June 15th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Dear Donnelle Myers
Your very much welcomed, glad I could be of some help
June 15th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Re: Majic Jack Complaints
Email your troubles to: DBORISLOW@aol.com
Hope this is helpful
June 15th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Hi - I purchased magicJack a few months ago and it’s been working fine. Phone quality is decent (for the price); however, I did get annoyed by the popup window that dominates the desktop when someone picks up the phone or calls.
To ease the annoyance, I made a small utility to block the popup window. magicJack still works normally and you can quickly enable the softphone (popup window) if needed.
If your interested in giving it a shot, it’s freeware and available at download.com (search for “MagicBlock“).
Regards,
Jeff
June 18th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I read all people’s reviews on magicjack phone service, and I understand why folks out there got some sort of problems with this service. I have magicjack for over a month, and I don’t have a single problem at all. Here is what I highly recommend.
Install magicjack on fresh built machine only. This machine should only have windows XP with no firewall, no anti-virus, no games, no unnecessary applications. Note. Windows XP has built-in firewall. Make sure turn it off. Also, this machine is used ONLY for magicjac phone, and it must be hard-wired connect to your router/switch. If you need to use computer such as web browsing, word processing, game, please use different computer.
I guarantee it will work just fine if you guys do that. You can email me at nguyencpp@yahoo.com if you want.
June 19th, 2008 at 9:27 am
This works great! Saving us on phone charges for our customer and us. Call us to see the voice quality.
Herschel Everett
June 29th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
magic jack is sporadically at best
customer support is a joke
LOTS OF SHILLS IN THESE FORUMS
UNABLE TO CONNECT HALF OF THE TIME
June 30th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I have had nothing but a wonderful experience with my MagicJack right from the very minute I opened my package up to even now. It has lived up to (every single statement) that was mentioned in the advertisement on the website and on the TV infomercial. It was ABC to hook up. It was so so easy to follow the directions and fill out the registration, activate with my code and choose my phone number. I was making my very first phone call in a matter of minutes to my husband and he made a call right back to me with the phone number I picked to be our new phone number. We both could hear one another clear as a bell. No background noise what so ever. No cutting in and out at all. Loud and clear. I have windows XP pro, running on a pen/4, a nice high speed Internet of 6MG and 1000 ram. I love the fact that I can switch from my hand set over to using my microphone on my desk top and hear with my speakers to have my conversation hands free to type and just as clear as if I had the hand set right to my ear with one click on the MagicJack menu on my desk top. Love that I am able to add my important names, e-mails and phone numbers right to my MagicJack address book on my desktop and just click on that persons name and it calls that person with one click of the mouse. I love the do not disturb feature and I’m busy feature. The voice mail service is a cinch to set up and extremely easy to use. It will even send a e mail with who ever sent you a voice mail to your e mail address along with the audio message for you to hear through your windows media player. How handy is that! I can’t say enough nice things about my Magicjack. I LOVE IT and would highly recommend it to anyone that is looking to save some money that always uses a high speed Internet connection and uses the phone quit a bit. Today’s day and age. This is the real deal at a low low yearly price and I’m elated I made the choice I did and bought this little handy gadget and two years of it’s service. I hope to have many more years of service to come there after as well. Thanks MagicJack! YOUR THE BOMB :o)