Lessons from the dead blue light

owtluke · Post by **owtluke** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:32 pm

I bought my MJ in May 2008. I ran it 24/7 until today, when I discovered the thing had died. I'm convinced these things are are designed to fail so they get a continual stream of hardware purchases, much like the auto industry. As it is now a useless piece of crap I removed the plastic cover and measured the temperature of the "Magic Chip 0812 P4N25-010" on the circuit board, which showed 106.5C!

Has anyone else had their device die suddenly? I won't even get into the ridiculous answers from MJ support, which of course suggest I have to buy a new replacement device. I'm out the cash on my 1-year renewal since my account is tied to this dead device. What a ripoff. Thank God I didn't renew for longer. It'd be different if the accounts were not tied to the devices.

bitstopjoe · Post by **bitstopjoe** » Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:38 pm

Sucks man..................
I THINK if you do buy a new one they can not only transfer your MJ # to the new unit but transfer your remaining time as well. I THINK. One thing I know for sure is do NOT plug the new unit in until you chat with support.

Let me know as my MJ was a yr old Aug 18th..

Joe Sica

findapenny · Post by **findapenny** » Wed Sep 09, 2009 12:53 pm

I also got mine in May '08 and this morning it didn't boot up with the computer, and was barely glowing...tried it on my laptop and same thing. Tried it with a powered hub and no change. Got it to boot up (and function) but I think it's on its last legs.

Support ("Honey") told me that if it dies, they'll ship out a free replacement...you should push for that, it's their job to support their hardware and I think you're right, sounds like the hardware may have a limited life...but, to be expected for $20.

owtluke · Post by **owtluke** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 10:40 am

I had another chat with MJ support. Their position is that you are paying for the device, the device costs 39.99 and you get the first year free. After that, if your device dies then you have to buy another one unless it is under warranty. As mine was 15 months old, it was no longer under warranty. Therefore I must buy a new device. They told me I can either have my existing number transferred onto my new device or I can get a new number. With the new number, I get the 1-year free service that comes with the device. If I get the number transferred, then I only get the remaining time that is on my current account (9-months). As such, 1 year is longer than 9 months so I will take a new number. However, in reality, I am getting ripped off because I paid for both the 1-year service of a new device plus my existing 9 months and yet they will only let me have one or the other.

I won't bother getting into a discussion on why an electronics device manufactured at today's standards dies so easily..

Here is an excerpt from the support chat:

Gilbert: If you want to get your old MJ number with new magicjack , then you will not get any free year and expiry date will remain same that is License Expires: 05/26/2010 . However if you register your new magicjack with new number then you will get 1 year free service

ME: Okay, so either way, I will not be able to recover service for which I have already paid. Is that correct?

Gilbert: I am sorry to say but you have paid for only device . We have given first year service free.

Gilbert: In your words, you will not be able to recover your services

findapenny · Post by **findapenny** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 4:10 pm

wow, that's crap...thnx for letting me know, i guess i won't fight that battle 'cause i'm looking for work + can't change my number

on the plus side, i found that the hardware has gone through several releases and mine is an early one so perhaps the hardware has improved??? follow-up post and let us know, eh?

findapenny · Post by **findapenny** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 6:17 pm

come to think of it, one thing you could do with your remaining months on your original 'jack is to set it up to forward to your new MJ number...doesn't eliminate the frustration but would at least give you some value

http://my.magicjack.com/index.html to set it up

you'd probably want to register the new one under a new email address so it doesn't merge the accts and somehow screw you out of that option

Alesana · Post by **Alesana** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 10:10 am

Sorry about that.. But on the new registration, I think there is a new option, the 1 year replacement insurance for $1, so if like your dog bit your magicJack, they will like replace it as long as you return the old one and you subscribed for the insurance. However, the $1 is non refundable though..

genomega · Post by **genomega** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 6:56 pm

This is a funny thread. Get a free service and complain if you have to buy a new unit. If you don't mind using a headset you don't even need it.

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