Which "Telephone" to Use?????

[nrmoeller]

We're new to using MJ. We got it several months ago, tried it out, but didn't continue to use it then. Now we are about to head to Mexico for 4 months and want to use MJ exclusively while we're there to call home (U.S.). We've got elderly Moms who have trouble hearing/talking on the phone. So we're wanting to make our connection as perfect and "normal" as can be. We need to call the Moms often.

Here's my question: We have been trying out different telephones with MJ. None of them seem to be wonderful. It could be our WiFi signal. Right now we're testing it with a Verizon Air Card. MJ works, but not well. There's a lot of cutting out, sometimes on the caller's end and sometimes on the receiver's end and sometimes on both, and some delays. Does MJ work better with a strong WiFi connection? Is it better with a DSL line (hardwire). Is there a particular telephone that works terrifically well? We don't know if we should use an old phone or pick up a phone from WalMart or whatever. Cordless would be wonderful, but corded is just fine, too. We need to perfect this before we leave next week. We're definitely open to any help and suggestions we can get. Thanks for helping to save our Moms from major anxiety attacks!
Nancy

[az2008]

Does MJ work better with a strong WiFi connection?

Wireless (wifi or your celluar wireless data connection) introduce latency, lost packets, retransmission which can affect the quality of VOIP. The stronger the wifi signal the better. But, anything may cause interference (someone using a cordless phone, turning on a microwave, etc.). I'm just 15-20 feet from my wifi access point. But, I find using a wired connection makes my MJ quality better.

Keep in mind that being in Mexico you're probably increasing the latency somewhat due to the increased distance. I used MJ in Chile with no problems. My ping times were 250ms (instead of 70-120ms here). But, it worked fine.

Is there a particular telephone that works terrifically well?

I like a headset plugged into the computer's mic/speaker jacks. If a traditional phone isn't used, there's even a way to configure the MJ software so you don't have to plug in the USB device (but it's complicated).

I like this headset:

http://www.jascoproducts.com/products/p ... roduct=137

Target (at least the store near me) sells it for about $19. It's for cordless phones. So, you need an adapter to convert the single plug into two plugs (mic/speaker). Target sells that adapter for about $4. At the Target near me, it hangs on the wall right next to the cordless-phone headsets.

Mark

[HolmanGT]

nrmoeller,

I like everything that AZ said and agree, except for the headset part. I have an aging mother that doesn't handle any kind of tech stuff very well and if I told her she would have to put a headset on that would be the end of whatever it was that I was asking her to try.

If the phone is for a woman like my mother I would suggest one like I have for testing.

I don't have the model number but it is a fairly new AT&T brand princess phone (style) and I think I picked it up at Wal-Mart or Big Lots. I personally don't like corded phones but for a $3 dollar phone this thing is pretty nice and has a volume control when set to high will knock you out of your chair, which is just about the right level for my mother, albeit she wouldn't complain if it was a tad bit louder.

I will try to quantify their meaning of hi-volume. When my mother uses it I can hear both ends of the conversation from five feet away - that's loud!

Oh - IMHO if the audio quality is bad it is from the wireless and back. The phone you use is not going to make much difference "garbage in garbage out" accept some are louder than others like the one I described.