Magic Jack has been rated best technology of 2008.  So, should you get it? 

Magic Jack is a new way you can use the phone.  The Magic Jack looks like a flash drive that you plug into the USB port of your Mac or PC.  On the other side of the Magic Jack is a phone jack that you plug your regular phone into.  Your computer and Internet have to be on to receive the calls.  If your computer or Internet is off, then the calls will go to voice mail.  You may forward the calls to another number if your Internet is off.

What’s the difference between the Magic Jack and Voice over IP?  The technology is very similar.  With Voice over IP, the device is a phone router that you plug your phone into.  This phone router, or Voice over IP router, then connects to your modem and/or regular wireless router, and you’re in business.  With the Magic Jack, the device just plugs into your computer, and that’s it.  It’s much easier to set up and doesn’t require a computer expert.

The price is very different.  Voice over IP is cheaper than regular Verizon and att analog voice service, but still approximately $25/month.  With the Magic Jack, it is only $40 for the first year, and then $20 for each year thereafter.  This includes free local and long distance, as well as free directory assistance, call waiting, voice mail, and caller ID.  Also, the reception is much clearer than Voice over IP.

The only downfall is that International calling is not available yet.  But, you can probably get around that by purchasing a Magic Jack for your international buddy as well as yourself and call each other with your US numbers.  The great thing about Magic Jack, as Voice over IP, is that since it is based off the Internet, you can call locally if you set up the devices to have US phone numbers.  Also, you can keep your existing phone number since that service is not yet available.

So, if you’re sick of your monthly bills or poor reception, and you’re a domestic caller, Magic Jack is worth the switch.  If you’re an avid abroad caller, you can buy your phone buddy a Magic Jack.  But, if you have a lot of international friends, you’re better off waiting until Magic Jack comes out with a solid, useable international calling plan.

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 4th, 2008 at 10:31 pm and is filed under Products. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.