[real-eyes] MagicJack.com, a Fun phone alternative

  • From: "Reginald George" <sgeorge@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <real-eyes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2007 05:32:26 -0600

I'm excited to be sharing this information with the list.  I've pulled the 
below information from their web site.  It's a private company that charges you 
$40 for the first year including what you need to plug any phone into your 
computer.  This device gives you, interestingly enough, a phone number that 
supports enhanced 911 and caller ID, free voice mail, call waiting, three way 
calling,  and free incoming and outgoing calls across the US and Canada.  All 
these features are controled in the standard way from the phone you plug in.  
Skype doesn't claim to replace your land line service  but, this company does 
for only $20 a year after the first year which is $40 because that includes the 
box that plugs into a USB port on your computer.  I heard about this from a 
blind customer who's using it so I know it's accessible.  
Caller ID is supported.  This is in marked contrast to Skype who's caller ID 
does not work.  The sound was every bit as good as any other phone I've tried 
and he reports very few dropped calls.  I'm ordering one now.  The site is 
Flash based but very accessible if poorly laid out.  I had to pull the below 
information from several different places including searching for some of it.  
Apparently you don't choose your number till you set up the device.  They are 
adding many new numbers as of December 1st, but as of this writing there were 
no Kansas area codes that I could find on their list and no 816.  Vista users 
need to run the Magicjack fix on their web site at http://www.magicjack.com.  
I'll report back further once I have it in hand.  I hope to demonstrate this at 
the Christmas party.  Anyone else game?  I dare someone else to order one.  
Free 30 day trial too.  
Reg

magicJack
Never Pay A Monthly Phone Bill Again!

magicJack Questions and Answers

magicIn

Each magicJack includes a free phone number from one of many metropolitan areas 
around the country. This number can receive free incoming calls from around
the world.

magicOut

All US/Canada calls are free when using your magicJack. You can use your 
magicJack at home or at your business.

Free Local & Long Distance Calling

USA and Canada - You can use magicOut at home or at your business for free 
local and long distance calls.

Free International Calling

Take the magicJack with you when you travel to other countries. Call back to 
the U.S. and Canada for FREE. Use the magicJack anywhere you find high speed
internet service. 

You may find that your greatest savings are where you call from another country 
to the US or Canada for FREE. Just make sure that your travel destinations
have high speed internet access
available. Most locations of 
Embassy Suites,  Hampton,  Hilton,  Holiday Inn offer FREE internet access.

Free Voice Mail 

Simply install your magicJack and follow these directions:

From your phone (that is plugged into your magicJack) dial your own number.
-OR-  Click the Voice Mail button on your Softphone (the phone displayed on 
your computer screen). 
When you hear a voice, press the  Star Key
When prompted, dial the default password 1234 on your phone or Softphone. 
Please change your password once you've accessed your account. 
Follow the prompts to personalize your options. 
Free Call Waiting 

Use the flash button on your telephone to toggle between calls. If phone does 
not have a flash button just tap the button you normally use to "hang up"
your phone. 

You can also use your computer mouse to toggle between calls by clicking on the 
number you choose. 

Three Way Calling

This feature is available when you have 2 inbound calls. 

Press  Star Key + Star Key
 when you have 2 inbound calls to merge them. 
Pressing  Star Key + Star Key
 will  also put both calls on hold. Now press the flash button on your phone to 
speak only to the original first caller -OR- with your mouse pointer click
on the number you wish to talk to on the softphone display. 
Enhanced 911 Service 

Each magicJack also includes 911 emergency telephone service for U.S. users. 
Dialing 911: is FREE and available anywhere in the United States and easy to 
activate when you plug in your magicJack. 
requires prior activation on your part by supplying your correct service 
address and updating your address if you use it at an alternate location. 
will NOT function during a broadband or power disruption/outage, or if the 
magicJack is damaged or disabled. For these reasons, you should maintain an 
alternate
means of dialing 911 and inform all users of your magicJack. 

Portable Contact List and Call LogsDo I have Caller ID with magicJack?
Yes, magicJack will display the caller ID of the person calling you, and other 
parties with caller ID will see your telephone number when you call them.
What number or name will people see on their caller ID on a call from me?

People that you call will see your ten-digit magicJack telephone number on 
their call display. 


Create and store a copy of your contact list on your magicJack and take it with 
you for use on any computer. Your contact list, along with your call logs
will be saved securely on your magicJack. (Contact list and call logs can be 
accessed without an Internet connection)


Can I give my employees or children their own individual incoming and outgoing 
lines?

Every magicJack comes with its own telephone number, and its own "line". You 
can use multiple magicJacks behind one router. 

What is the difference between magicJack and Skype?
. magicJack is an easy-to-use device that allows you to use a regular telephone 
handset to make calls. Skype is a software program, and accessories must
be purchase separately. 
. Skype must be installed on your computer, whereas magicJack's software runs 
automatically. 
. Skype uses a peer-to-peer network, whereas magicJack uses a dedicated 
telephone network.
Expand What is the difference between magicJack and traditional VOIP carriers?

. many other VoIP carriers do not have dedicated telephone networks, and lease 
this service from other companies. This can result in higher costs and poorer
reliability. magicJack uses a dedicated telephone network. 
. magicJack comes with an easy-to-use device to allow you to use a regular 
telephone handset. 

Do I need a headset to use magicJack?
No. You can use magicJack with either a regular telephone handset, or with a 
headset. You can also use both, and switch between the two.
Expand How is the call quality on magicJack compared to a cell phone?

Most users find the call quality of magicJack to be superior to that of a 
cellular telephone, and to be comparable to a traditional telephone call.

Can magicJack replace my existing home phone service?
Yes, it can. You get a regular telephone number, incoming and outgoing calls, 
and a host of "regular" features. You can use magicJack with your existing
telephone as well.

How fast is my connection time with a magicJack?

Connection time with a magicJack call is comparible to a traditional phone 
call. If you call another magicJack user, the connection is almost 
instantaneous!

What happens during a power outage?

magicJack relies on power from your computer, as well as a broadband 
connection, so if your computer has no power then magicJack will not function. 
If your
computer has a battery, such as a laptop, and you are using wireless broadband, 
then magicJack will continue to function during a power outage.

Your voicemail and call forwarding will work in the event of a power outage. 


Is there a less expensive telephone service on the market?
No! magicJack is the cheapest service available.

Tell me what features come with my magicJack.

Included with your magicJack cost of $39.95 are the following:

1. A phone number from one of many metropolitan areas around the country that 
can receive free incoming calls from around the world.
2. A license to use the magicJack to call the US and Canada for FREE during 
your first year of use. 
3. A USB optional extension cord. 
4. Free local and long distance calling to US and Canada.
5. Free International calling to US/Canada numbers when traveling outside of 
the US.

What number or name will people see on their caller ID on a call from me?

People that you call will see your ten-digit magicJack telephone number on 
their call display. 

Do I have traditional dial tone with magicJack?
Yes, you will hear a traditional dial tone when you pickup your telephone 
handset, or using your computer headset

When can i exchange my magicJack number for a different one?

You will be able to change your number in the near future. We will make an 
announcement on our website. 

Can I use my existing phone number as my magicJack number?
Yes, but not yet.

You will be able to transfer or port your existing phone number to magicJack, 
for a nominal fee, in the coming months.

Can I get a "vanity" number?
No. This feature is not available at this time.
Can I request a specific area code for my new magicJack line?
Yes. When you first plug in your magicJack, you will be able to select your 
area code.

Will my new number be listed in the telephone directory?
No, it will not be.

Can I use magicJack in a Hotel or Motel?
Yes, you usually can. Some hotels may block the connection however.

Can I use magicJack to forward calls to my cell phone?
Yes, you can. We will be releasing a user self-service portal shortly where you 
can set this up.

Do I have to dial any extra numbers with magicJack?

For long distance calls, simply dial the other party's 10-digit telephone 
number. You may have to dial 10-digits for local calls in some areas. 


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