SlashGear Japan
We first saw magicJack all the way back in October, where we managed to kick off an argument about truth in advertising in the comments; now PC Magazine have got one of the adaptors in for review, to see whether YMax’s claims are true. To recap, the magicJack device is a matchbox-sized gizmo with a USB plug on one end (to go into your computer) and a standard RJ-11 phone jack on the other, into which you plug a standard landline phone. The big selling point is unlimited national calls for $20 a year.
PC Magazine seem surprisingly impressed: rating magicJack 4.5 out of 5, they praise it for the great sound quality, broad selection of options such as voicemail and call-waiting, e911 compatibility and – for a $10 fee – the ability to port your existing landline number over to the magicJack service.
I’d be very interested to know if magicJack are considering bringing the service to the UK; considering how heated the previous comments got, I’m sure someone will tell me soon!
[via jkontherun]
15 Responses to “magicJack $20 unlimited VoIP reviewed”
Dan Borislow Inventor of magicjack January 29, 2008
We will bring to UK,as soon as we having a chance to breathe.We are going pretty brisk right now in the States.
Dan
+1Mike February 29, 2008
I have one using here in CA USA. Sound quality is not that great, lots of static/drop outs. It’s not quite there yet, hopefully will improve over time.
+1Tim L April 4, 2008
Over the last few months I’ve been closely following the blogs and growing media coverage on the magicJack, the coolest product to hit the marketplace in a very long time.
For those who do not know or do not have a full understanding of the magic behind the magicJack my product overview is below.
magicJack is a USB phone jack that allows users to make FREE local and long distance phone calls anywhere in the US and Canada. Users can bring their magicJack anywhere in the World and make FREE calls to the US and Canada, as well.
It’s easy to use. After plugging the magicJack into the USB port of your computer, the software that resides in the magicJack self-loads, a brief & standard registration process follows (during which time you get to choose a telephone number for your magicJack from a large inventory of area codes/numbers in most every major metro area in the US) and when done you simply plug any standard corded, cordless or portable phone (headset or Bluetooth also works) into the magicJack, pick-up the phone and dial-tone has been delivered! You’re free to make FREE phone calls anywhere in the US and Canada! So, much better than other IP telephony options since it can be used with ANY regular phone and you get your own telephone number for LIFE!
Initially, I was not sure how the call quality would measure up since its extremely inexpensive — man, was I wrong! A mere $40 buys you the magicJack plus the 1st year of local and long distance calls and then its only $20 per YEAR for additional years!! You can not be beat that price for all the FREE local and long distance calls you can ever make in a year!! I started making calls immediately and I was AMAZED at the clarity and quality of the phone calls! Everyone I called agreed with me that the call quality was just as you’d expect from any landline.
The magicJack proves you do not have to sacrifice phone call quality for cost!
But, let me take you back in time a bit since I did some research before I bought my magicJack. Being a techno-savvy guy, I always research a product, its roots and its history before I give it a shot. After hearing about the product on a few techblog sites,I happened to catch the companies TV commercial recently. So, I began my own research.
Overall, the magicJack has been hugely embraced by bloggers and the major press alike. When visiting the company’s website http://www.magicjack.com I was quickly impressed by the Tier 1 media coverage the product has received. Excellent reviews by NY Times, Boston Globe, LA Times, LAPTOP magazine, CNBC and video clips of consumer reporters raving about the magicJack on CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox News. PC Magazine just awarded magicJack with its Editors Choice distinction! Then I read about the founder of the company and inventor of the product, Dan Borislow. He has over 20 years experience in building successful long distance telephone companies. His previous company struck a deal with AOL and carried AOL long distance customers on their long distance network. He came up with his latest invention and has spent his own money on R&D of the magicJack — and, then constructed a nationwide telephone network that is one of the largest and newest telephone networks in the industry and is certified as a CLEC in 50 US states! The magicJack is backed by its own telephone network and is operated by executives who have extensive experience in the telecommunications and internet business. This is a HUGE differentiator between magicJack and any other company, including Skype, Vonage and others, in the space who are not telephone experts and are not certified in (even) a single state in the US!
From what I have seen, the company just expanded its online TechSupport platform to a 24/7 online technical customer support. I can bet that part of the reason for the company’s decision to rollout an online tech support system is due to the following:
1) The super ease-of-use does not require a lot of support;
and,
2) magicJack customers are already online;
3) The low product price point is a huge benefit to consumer but does not allow for a large & very expensive live phone CS center.
Also, from all accounts, Dan Borislow is an inventor that wants to stay in touch with the people who use his product. In fact, the magicJack website has a link to send Dan an email and it indicated that he replies to every one!!
I’m a very happy magicJack customer and I can’t wait to watch this company soar, as it saves millions of people around the world thousands of dollars per year!!
-3Ron June 5, 2008
I have now been using the MagicJack for at least 2 weeks. I currently have no real complaints about it. The sound quality is great and for the most part, those who I am speaking to can hear me clearly as well.
I have had 2 occurances where the individuals I am speaking to say that I am kind of faint. However, both occurances happened at my job and I know the reason behind that.
I have read in other areas regarding adware and spyware, but I have not (1) detected any such thing(s) on my computer and the only advertisements I have seen are the ones that appear on the MagicJack Phone console. If these are the only ads, then I have no issue with it.
More later.
-2Larry Garland July 8, 2008
I installed Magicjack and have been having problems from day one. The support staff using IM is mediocre. First I my speakers lost audio, still have no incoming calls or ring, when I call the other person can barely hear me, and it shuts off alot. You have to restart computer. There is compatibility problems that they acknowledge. Some programs have to be uninstalled. They recommended that I shut off the anti-virus and firewall as it disrupts Magicjack. I bought a AC powered USB hub, that support recommended. I still have no incoming calls, people can barely hear me speak, and it shuts down. So in all of this, there is alot to work on. Idea wise, it sounds good, but beware that some of us are wondering if it’s worth it at any price.
-1mpnye September 1, 2008
I bought a MagicJack from J&R Music World via Amazon in mid May this year. I have 3 computers, but have only used the MJ on 2 of them.
When I attempted to use it on my Dell tower in my home office, it wouldn’t fit the USB port due to it being located at a 45 degree angle downward on the front panel under the flip down door, so I attempted to use the 8″ USB extension that came with the MJ. I installed the MJ and and attempted to let it do it’s download thing. I kept getting an error message to: “Plug in your MagicJack into your USB port”. I kept continuing to get this message, so I went to their website to see if there were any solutions to my problem. I located and found a supposed fix for the problem according to their information by downloading a patch.
I continued to get the same error message, so I re-checked to be sure that the computer’s Windows, Flash, Shockwave and Java files were all up to date which they were. Next I plugged my USB scanner into the MJ USB extension cable, and what do you know, I got an error message: “Cannot locate USB scanner” when I clicked on the software’s Scan button.
I next went back to the MJ website to attempt to obtain a replacement for my defective USB extension cable. After being led in circles for several minutes, I finally found the Super Secret Link to their Live Tech Support Chat hidden deep in the bowels of their website. This is when my MagicJack experience went from ‘Extremely satisfied’ to “If I only knew then what I know now”.
Their Tech Support person prompted me to do what I’ve already done several times prior to contacting them. When I brought that to their attention for the second or third time, I finally suggested they simply send me a replacement for the defective cable. They then told me that they don’t supply the cables and to contact the seller, so I called J&R customer service stating my problem. They told me that they have no parts for the MJ, and to contact MJ for a replacement as it has a 1-year warranty. I have no issue with J&R as I do a lot of business with them and have always been treated very well by their customer service department. I understand that being I purchased it over 90 days ago they couldn’t help me, suggesting I contact MagicJack directly for a replacement of either the cable or MJ. Being that I’ve already registered a phone number, I really don’t want to go through the hassle with having to do it all over again.
I buy over $3-million a year in equipment for my company, and find that virtually every manufacturer and/or vendor honor their warranty with no problems what-so-ever. I know that if I were a start-up company, I’d address these minor issues to keep customer satisfaction peaked, so that everyone’s comments are ALL positive as word of mouth is the world’s best advertising.
It could have been worse, as I was about to suggest ordering 135 MagicJacks for our field reps. I guess everything happens for the best, as I really wouldn’t want to be in the position of having to explain my decision in ordering 135 products with virtually no support to my CEO who I report directly to. Not exactly a brilliant career move.
MagicJack . . . ” You we’re so close, but so far away”
Neutraldeny dorvil September 4, 2008
Hi,
NeutralI bought my magicjack from electronic path in Québec (Laval), I want to know how I have to use it.
Tony W September 27, 2008
I bought a magicjack about 3 months ago. By and large it has been fine but about once every couple of weeks it fails to make calls and trouble shooting takes at least half an hour each time. Some people I call say the voice is distorted or quiet but most say it is fine. There are obviously some flaws that need to be ironed out but I will persevere for a while.
Neutralm72 December 13, 2008
MAGIC JACK as very very good when i 1st got it almost 2 years ago,i had NO problems everything worked just fine.
Then about 6 months ago my calls start chopping up bad!
I called the company got text support did everything i could to make it better, because i admire a company charging a low rate for a bill that is very much needed in this economy.
Well I never realized that my TIME WARNER/COMCAST modem became outdated,having the modem for about 7 years I thought it would be fine-I WAS SOOO WRONG.
My internet was so bad i could barely watch u-tube videos(and i am paying 50 dollars a month plus tax ect…..
I finally broke down and had the Comcast guy (to come in my home which i hate) come in and replace my internet modem.
THAT IS ALL IT IS PEOPLE,my MAGICJACK is back and i can hear everything again. I don’t have to feel bad about referring people now!
THIS IS A GREAT day(except for Betty Page passing,very sad day for millions of people)
HOW OLD IS YOUR MODEM?
-1drbray December 31, 2008
This is the least expensive and probably the best telephone service that I have EVER used!
This service ONLY costs $19.95/year and with a 5 year license extension it costs only $12.00/year! $1.67/month That’s 1st year then $1.00/month each year thereafter.
Don’t believe any of the BAD PRESS you may hear about the service. I discovered what the “technical” problem was, because it actually happened to me. I was having audio and connection problems until I solved the technical problem of my computer’s USB bus drawing over 500 mA, actually 580 mA, with everything plugged into the bus.
My eMachine computer, Model T2882, only has a 250 Watt power supply and that was working at its limits with all the computer cards and USB devices that I had plugged into the machine were demanding current.
The attached article is how I solved the problem for less than $20.00!
http://drbray.blogspot.com/200.....ality.html
-1bubba1212 January 8, 2009
It’s nice to see some common sense users of this product for a change. The only issue with this device is IGNORANCE. After reading hundreds of “I love it”, “I hate it” posts, I’ve come to a few conclusions.
1: Never buy ANY free 30day trial on ANYTHING!!! Get MJ from QVC, Circuit City, Amazon etc… Then you have a hassle free return. ALL 30 DAY FREE TRIAL AND GIVE US YOU’RE CREDIT CARD NUMBER Company’s will set on your money and give you the runaround, duh. Your and every other sucker’s money is letting them make interest off it. They ALL will bite you in the azz with the fine print. DON’T DO IT!
2: For the people that think the thing that comes out after you press the button on the front of the computer is an automated cup holder, you’re too stupid to use this product. You probably have trouble operating a light switch or flushing the toilet. If you are a 1 on the (1 – 10) Tech Savvy Scale, save us the drudge of reading your negative post and don’t even think about getting this product. It’s way, way, way over your head. Go play with the light switch or something. MJ is a startup company running on a shoestring. It’s $40 dollars! It’s $40 dollars! It’s $40 dollars! It’s $40 dollars! It’s $40 dollars! What do you expect them to do, send a tech to your house? Come on people get real. If you can’t make it work then return it to Circuit City or QVC etc… Oh, you did the 30day free trial thing? DUH… you deserve the hassle. Just don’t bore us with your post.
3: Paranoid people get up in the morning; check the weather etc… on Internet. Hello! Your ISP tracked what you did and the Weather web cookie and all the other cookies did they’re thing. Picked up your Cell phone and made a call, Hello! Your phone service tracked and logged your call, they also knew you were home because of the built in tracking system. Got in your car and stopped at intersection, got your picture taken by traffic cam. Somebody knows where you were at the time of day. Stopped to get gas, restaurant, shopping swiped your credit card, God only knows how many people got this information on what you bought. Went to work and your employer tracked every keystroke, oh and don’t forget to smile for the candid camera. I looked your name up in the White pages and Goggled Earth your address, WOW! You got a really nice house dude. Maybe I’ll pay you a visit and spy on you. You think MJ gives a rip about the above information? They just want to know local information so they can push you the latest add special from the local pizza place. Unless you live in a cave, get a life because this is your life, you’re just too ignorant to recognize it and all the bitching in the world is not going to change it. Install this on an old PC, stick in the closet, plug in a wireless phone and forget about it. Now it’s out of site and out of mind. Just like all the above listed things we ignore every day.
4: It’s amazing! Crap computer + slow line + Magic Jack = Magic Jacks fault. You got to love it.
This is a COMPUTER \ INTERNET device. For the slow people out there, this means YOUR PC AND ISP NEED TO BE ON FOR IT TO WORK! So stop whining about your computer needs to be on for it to work. If you have a slow piece of crap computer loaded with God knows what (because you don’t patch, virus protect and properly maintain your PC.) your going to have PROBLEMS! If your Internet speed is slooooooow, guess what? It’s NOT GOING TO WORK WELL! So the folks that post, “I can’t hear”, “it’s full of static”, “it echoes”, “it sucks”, “their spying on me”, “don’t buy it” and on and on and on. It’s your fault, not Magic Jack. If it wasn’t YOUR fault, we’d ALL be experiencing the same problems you are. So if you’re not willing to deal with YOUR problem, or simply ask people that have it working a few questions to help resolve your problem, then stop posting your ignorance.
5: This DOSE NOT and SHOULD NOT replace you’re your phone system. Analyze what it can and cannot do for you. If it makes business sense then get it. If not, DON’T slam this product because it doesn’t meet your needs. This device saves me and millions of people like me lots of money.
6: Read 1 – 5.
NeutralEric from CA January 13, 2009
I recently saw the TV ads and thought I’d give this thing a try. I have a cable modem and a reasonably up to date PC. When I first plugged it in it seemed like it worked well. That was for the first few days over the holidays. But for the first few weeks of 2009, it has been nothing but difficult. I’ve been through every trick and adjustment with their online chat tech team, but with no success. They even suggested I switch to a corded phone (what’s that ). Anyhow, I really wanted this to work and tried everything that they suggested. I tried to find out if there are any known configuration requirements or constraints that I should know about, but their tech support is just above robots with predefined scripts. They could have a really good thing, but I suspect their success has possibly helped cause the issues with overloaded switches. I don’t know if it is my issue or theirs, but hearing so many negative things now, I suspect it is simply growing pains of company trying to make a low cost product. In the end, you get what you pay for. I guess it is back to Vonage for 20 times the cost :(
+1cynthiat January 27, 2009
I purchased 2 magic jack lines and must I say what a joke they are. No phone service, no customer service and a total waste of money. You can not get a hold of anyone on the line and they have no interest in helping anyone just taking the money. Look at the BBB report it is a disaster. Please stop taking peoples money. If anyone has an email or direct line to the president I would appreciate it greatly. Thank You
+1cynthiat January 27, 2009
thank goodness there is Vonage. Good Luck. Please refund my money….what a waste.
Neutralwatchesinamazement May 22, 2009
Regarding MagicJack “Support”
Following is a transcript of a “Support Chat Session” with MagicJack.
Chat InformationPlease wait for a site operator to respond.
Chat InformationYou are now chatting with ‘Jezebel’
Jezebel: Hello, how may I help you?
Frank: I am continuing to have an ongoing problem with MJ and have attempted to deal with it with a number of agents the process is always time consuming and the problem is not corrected. Every time I reboot or start my computer the same message always appears about connecting to a USB port – THE ONLY WAY I have ever been able to correct this problem is to quick format the second drive MJ creats (k:).
Jezebel: Hi Frank.
Frank: After formatting I may start MJ and it will start normALLY.
Frank: hI
Jezebel: Thank you for bringing up your concern to us. Let me assist you with that.
Jezebel: Okay.
Jezebel: Since when did you encounter this issue?
Frank: Is there a normal email address for MJ?
Frank: Or a telephone number?
Jezebel: Yes,
Frank: I have been enduring it for approx 6 months – In fact, I stopped using MJ for quite awhile because of it
Jezebel: Please provide me with your magicJack phone number.
Frank: We want to use the service but not under the present set of circumstances. None of the agents seems to want to address the possibility of a defective device.
Frank: 203-930-xxxx
Jezebel: Okay.
Jezebel: Thank you.
Frank: ok
Jezebel: Would you allow me to offer fixes first?
Frank: sure I’ll let you know if I’ve done that before
Frank: It seems routine to go so far unsuccessfully and then be told being sent to higher level which has not corrected the situation
Jezebel: Okay.
Jezebel: So, you want a replacement?
Frank: yes please!
Jezebel: Okay.
Jezebel: One moment please…
Jezebel: Thank you for your patience. I will transfer you to a higher level of support. Please hold while I transfer you.
Chat InformationPlease wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited site operator.
Chat InformationYou are now chatting with ‘Dover’
Frank: ok
Dover: Welcome to the higher level of support.This is DOVER, and I will be assisting you on your concern today.
Dover: Please give me a few moments to read your previous conversation and be able to give you further assistance about it. Thank you.
Dover: Thank you so much for waiting
Dover: May I have your magicjack number please?
Frank: 203-930-xxxx
Dover: May I know what is your operating system?
Frank: xp pro
Dover: Is your magicjack plugged in there now?
Frank: yes
Dover: PLease do this now
Dover: Please click the link to download and run the magicJack upgrade (applicable for both XP & Vista):
Dover: http://upgrades.magicjack.com/upgrade/upgrade.exe
Dover: MAke sure that the magicjack is plugged in while running the upgrades..
Frank: Iformatted the k drive and it is working now
Dover: PLease tell me if you’re done
Dover: Wow, that’s great Frank..
Dover: You are good
Dover: I hope it will works for long now..
Dover: Is there anything else I may help you with today?
Frank: but it won’t work the next time i start the sys and i’ll have to format again
Frank: I request a replacement device
Dover: I hope it will works now Frank. For now, I may suggest to please try to leave it that way ten try to observe your magicjack for 24 to 72 hours. In this time span given if it still doing the same thing, please don’t hesitate to chat us back. Replacement would be our last option Frank..
Dover: What I am going to do here also is that I will refresh your service here on our end, this will help eliminate the issue that you are having with your magicjack..
Dover: woulod it be alright with you Frank?
Dover: Would*
Frank: How many times do I need to go through the same procedures with support, How many times do I need to explain that it fails each and every time I restart the system before the device will be replaced?
Dover: I do understand you Frank
Dover: By the way, how many devices connected to your computer there now?
Frank: one (1)
Dover: Have you tried to use an Ac powered USB hub?
Frank: I have used every USB port on the computer but have not purchased a hub
Dover: As I checked it here Frank, your magicjack license will expired this coming 06/21/2009 .
Dover: I may suggest to please try to use an Ac powered hub for your magicjack..
Dover: That device will enhance your call quality, clarity and connectivity. It will also add new ports for your computer. Making it easy to plug other USB devices such as Keyboard, Camera, Printer without plugging it to the back.
Dover: Here is the link for the view of an AC Powered USB hub..
Dover: http://www.usbgear.com/usb-2-u.....ckage1.jpg
Frank: I know the license expires and I want the device to function properly before I renew it. I don’t think it’s reasonable for me to have to purchase additional equipment when simply trying a replacement MJ will probably solve the problem (unless MJ knows of things I don’t know and is not telling me) If a replacement does not work then I should consider a hub.
Frank: What is MJ’s email or phone number?
Dover: I am very sorry but we only do chat support here Frank
Dover: The best thing that we can do for now is that, I will give you a replacement magicjack but you have to extend first your magicjack license..
Dover: Nothing tow orry about, once you receive the newmagicjack, yo can still transfer your account to your new magicjack by transferring your old number to new magicjack..
Dover: Would it be alright with you?
Frank: no
Dover: I do understand you Frank, I really want to give you a replacement magicjack but you need to extend first your license since your license will expired this coming 06/21/2009
Frank: Under the circumstances, if I decide to try a replacement MJ, since MJ won’t replace the device, I’ll buy one a Walmart and if it doesn’t work properly, I’ll return it for refund and be done with MJ. I think it’s inappropriate for MK to require anyone to spend money to extend someting that doesn’t work properly in order to replace that thing. It’s bad business practice and does not demonstrate good faith.
Frank: It should be obvious by looking at the record that I have spent a great deal of time on the chat support page trying to resolve the problem without success.
Dover: I know how are you feeling right now Frank. I cannot give you a replacement magicjack since it will expired soon..I hope you understand me
Frank: A replacement should probably have been provided long before this however the agents ignored discussing that solution. I am disappointed in MJ’s business practices.
Frank: Thank you for your personal time.
Dover: Thank you so much for full cooperation and understanding. I really appreciate it.
Dover: Is there anything else Frank?
Frank: Not for this chat – thank you.
Dover: you are most welcome Frank. you’re such a nice person..
Dover: PLease feel free to visit and don’t hesitate to chat us back.Take care always and Have a Great Day Ahead.
Any Comments?
Neutral