Special offer

Magic Jack - I'm sending it back !!!

By
Real Estate Agent with 16 Sunview Blvd

Like many of you I was intrigued by the infomercials for " Magic Jack ".  This device plugs into your computer and enables you to make unlimited long distance phone calls for $20 bucks /yr.  For an initial charge of $40 ( which includes a %20 charge for the first year.

So far, so good.  I ordered the device and had some installation problems which were resolved with the tech people.  You don't talk to a person - you have a chat by typing your questions and a techie replies.  This system is slow but you shouldn't have to suffer through it too often.

My problems lie with the voice quality, calls dropped and the inconvenience.

1. There is a distinct hollow sound to your voice and it will distract from your call.

2. It was common for calls to be dropped.  Maybe this was the fault of my phone or problems with coverage in y area.

3. There was no established area code for Fort Myers Beach so I had to select another area code.  I chose the closest to me ( Miami ) which makes people think you are calling from some place other than your ral area !  Very confusing to everyone. 

4. Calling my office ( 3 miles away ) meant dialing the Miami area code, etc, etc.

5. Leaving the computer on at all times is not such a big deal but just adds to the inconvenience of it all.

Maybe for some this technology is acceptable, not for me !  Back it goes !!!

 

Posted by

Website:   www.BillGillhespy.com

Fort Myers Beach Realtor

Marlene Pellegrini
Norwich, CT

Yeah, I got one too.  The only area code I could get was completely out of my market area.  The very closest one was for Providence, Rhode Island.  I live in  Connecticut!  I think I'll send mine back also.

Sep 30, 2008 11:56 AM
Gayle Rogers
Solid Source Realty - Canton, GA
ABR

I am so intrigued with this device, on TV, that is. I keep wanting to order it then I don't because of comments I read. Some people give it a thumbs up and for the price, I feel like I wouldn't be making a terrible mistake.

I just want to be sure it doesn't mess up my computer.  I would love others to comment so thanks for writing this

Sep 30, 2008 11:57 AM
Krista L. Walker
RE/MAX Platinum Medford - Medford, OR
Oregon- Homes & Real Estate for Sale

thanks for writing this , it helps to find this info out ahead of time.  Sorry  since it is at your expense

Sep 30, 2008 11:58 AM
Jen Bowman
Keller Williams on the Water - Holmes Beach, FL
Realtor - Anna Maria Island & Bradenton FL

My husband wanted to get a Magic Jack, but I was a little skeptical.  It sounds like you've saved us a headache.  Thank you very much!

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Sep 30, 2008 12:12 PM
Susan Milner
Florida Future Realty, Inc. - Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral Real Estate Broker, FloridaFutureAgents

Thanks for the warning, I've heard a few people claiming it is GREAT....

Sep 30, 2008 12:16 PM
Lori Lincoln And Associates
Top Agent Serving Dighton Taunton, Rehoboth and more! - Taunton, MA
Top Agent Taunton,Dighton Rehoboth &more

It may be worth looking into at a later time, when the technology is perfected. A great concept, but too new on the market for me

Sep 30, 2008 12:30 PM
Michael Wayne Jackson
Coldwell Banker - Novato, CA
Broker - Seniors Real Estate Specialist Novato

I'm glad I did not move forward on this device. It sounded to good to be true.

Sep 30, 2008 12:32 PM
Jimmy McCall
JimmyMcCall.com - Cunningham, TN
The Ex-Mortgage Consultant

Bill,  Thank yo for your insight on Magic Jack.  I haven't considered using it and thanks to you I don't think I will.

Sep 30, 2008 12:40 PM
Joe A
Cupertino, CA

I'm now using Vonage.  And for $25 unlimited local and long distance per month, the sound quality is excellent.  One thing I learned about this voice over internet technology, is try to be offline when you make a call, and the reception works great.  If you're downloading something from a website while you're talking, the reception is not good at all, and troubles arise.  Good luck with the Magic Jack.

Sep 30, 2008 12:43 PM
Anne Hensel
South Beaches Real Estate Professionals - Saint Petersburg, FL
Realtor - Broker - St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island

Hi Bill

Thank you for sharing this. I would not put up with all these things - flaws either. If we need one thing in our job, it is a working phone

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Sep 30, 2008 05:38 PM
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

I know someone who bought one of these... same deal... it's just not up to the task.

Oct 08, 2008 01:57 PM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Thanks to all of you for stopping by and commenting.  I really wanted this thing to live up to its claims but there is a lot they don't tell you up front !

Oct 10, 2008 07:21 AM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I went with Vonage a year ago, but before I could get it set up, I had already used my 30-day free trial period. I bring that up because I never could get Vonage set up. Neither could their technician, but because I had not set it up within that 30-day trial period, they refused to refund my fees or cancel my one-year contract without a $300 cancellation fee, which was $60 more than just paying the monthly fee for a year. Finally got them cancelled a couple of months ago.

I did away with landlines a couple of years ago. I now just have computer fax, broadband Internet, and AT&T wireless (they took over my Cingular account). I've been very happy with AT&T, all things considered. I never have dropped calls and reception is excellent, even out in rural areas, underground parking garages, etc.

Oct 16, 2008 07:52 PM
Franklin & Brentwood, TN Homes Mike Nastri
Keller Williams Realty - Franklin, TN
It matters to us as much as it matters to you.

Thanks for the post and for saving us time and money.

Dec 23, 2008 02:00 PM
Tim Hart
VanDyk Mortgage-Branch Manager - Fort Myers, FL

I'm glad I read this because I was kicking the idea around. Thanks for the heads up!

Dec 27, 2008 08:11 AM
Eric J. Gall
Edison Avenue - Bonita Springs, FL
Business Broker / M&A Intermediary

Jack, thanks for the review.  I wondered how well it would work.

I went with an 800 number through voicenation.  I can make it ring my office line and cell simultaneously.  It also accepts faxes. 

Jan 03, 2009 04:29 AM
Lisa Wetzel
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Carson City, NV
CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com

I wondered!  The old saying ... If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Thanks for sharing you experience!

 

Jan 03, 2009 04:57 AM
Robert L. Brown
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

Thought about it but with all the naysayers here i think i will pass. Too good to be true. Again......

Nov 22, 2009 05:35 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Hi everyone,   I still see them hawj\king this on TV.  Until they resolve some significant tech problems it will not meet the needs of anyone I know !

Nov 22, 2009 05:46 AM
Robert L. Brown
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

Bill how is your magic jack situation going? I've never bought it either.

Nov 28, 2011 10:54 AM