Newbie has an installation question, please advise.

[Neptune]

I am purchasing a magic jack this coming week (per MJ announcment that you can port your current phone number starting Nov 1st).

At any rate here is my set up. I have a HP computer running windows vista, I am also using a HP photosmart all in one Printer/Fax/Copier/scanner. I am currently using Comcast high-speed for internet and Voip. I am trying to figure how to tie everything together. My phone line goes from the wall to the back of the HP "Allin one', then a sperate phone line goes to my phone. The "all in one" connects to the computer via a ethernet cable.

Do I split the phone line from the wall, with one line going to printer and then the other line to MJ and USB port???? I would like to get everything figured out prior to my purchase. It is the ONLY phone system I have in my home.

Any suggentions would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Sumrall]

Let me throw this in as food for thought...
MJ has been saying for about a year that porting would be available. At first part of this year, then in August, now in November. It may happen.

As for your all in one printer connection. This is what I did. I ordered Nettalk which does not use your computer (it can, but not required). It plugs into your router and stays on 24/7 - no computer connected. I use MJ as a second line plugged into computer with telephone line from MJ to printer/fax and one phone connected to back of printer. Other phones are connected to Nettalk. Costs a little more, but now have two outside lines and no hassles.

[nailgunner]

I am purchasing a magic jack this coming week (per MJ announcment that you can port your current phone number starting Nov 1st).

At any rate here is my set up. I have a HP computer running windows vista, I am also using a HP photosmart all in one Printer/Fax/Copier/scanner. I am currently using Comcast high-speed for internet and Voip. I am trying to figure how to tie everything together. My phone line goes from the wall to the back of the HP "Allin one', then a sperate phone line goes to my phone. The "all in one" connects to the computer via a ethernet cable.

Do I split the phone line from the wall, with one line going to printer and then the other line to MJ and USB port???? I would like to get everything figured out prior to my purchase. It is the ONLY phone system I have in my home.

Any suggentions would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Despite Sumralls wonderful experience with both systems, I would suggest you decide on one, like it seems you have, and get it working to your satisfaction before tackling a second one.

If you do try MagicJack, I would suggest trying to get a 4th generation device if you can. It is suppose to perform much better than the 3rd generation. The way you tell is that the 4th gen is suppose to have an orange sticker on the bottom. Sightings of the 4th gen have been rare (I'm suppose to go a-huntin for one in a day or so), so you may not be able to find one.

And I'm full of suggestions, but if it was me, and others will tell you I'm full of crap, is that I wouldn't tie your all-in-one into the setup right away. I would get everything working with as basic a setup as you can. Once you are happy with call quality and the like, then I would introduce other equipment into the mix. If you only fax on rare occasion, I would be tempted to only hook it into MJ then. I've had nothing but prior bad experience with HP all-in-ones. I haven't seen anyone specifically mention HP and MJ together, but after about a year of using MJ, I can't imagine it doing anything but complicating your wonderful MJ experience. Plus, I'm totally confused, but I think some people haven't been able to fax with MJ at all, a Google search provides various thoughts on the issue.

Just one persons opinion. But since I can never seem to shut up, one word of caution. I'm not sure how much background work you've done on this, but if you want the HP tied into the system because you will be doing a lot of faxing, and are using this for a business, be careful. MagicJack has limits on usage:

"If magicJack sees excessive use, including but not limited to, a customer whose usage is twenty (20) times more than the average magicJack's customer's usage, or a customer who calls more than 50 different telephone numbers per day, or systematic or intentional misuse, it reserves the right, in our sole discretion, to terminate your use of the magicJack device and/or Software immediately, and you will not be entitled to get a refund of any licensing fee or any other fee you may have paid to us"

And they have and will just cut you off.

Good luck if you stick with MJ. If I was new to using VOIP, I might go with NetTalk first, but shhhhhh.

[Nugrl]

I am purchasing a magic jack this coming week (per MJ announcment that you can port your current phone number starting Nov 1st).

At any rate here is my set up. I have a HP computer running windows vista, I am also using a HP photosmart all in one Printer/Fax/Copier/scanner. I am currently using Comcast high-speed for internet and Voip. I am trying to figure how to tie everything together. My phone line goes from the wall to the back of the HP "Allin one', then a sperate phone line goes to my phone. The "all in one" connects to the computer via a ethernet cable.

Do I split the phone line from the wall, with one line going to printer and then the other line to MJ and USB port???? I would like to get everything figured out prior to my purchase. It is the ONLY phone system I have in my home.

Any suggentions would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Despite Sumralls wonderful experience with both systems, I would suggest you decide on one, like it seems you have, and get it working to your satisfaction before tackling a second one.

If you do try MagicJack, I would suggest trying to get a 4th generation device if you can. It is suppose to perform much better than the 3rd generation. The way you tell is that the 4th gen is suppose to have an orange sticker on the bottom. Sightings of the 4th gen have been rare (I'm suppose to go a-huntin for one in a day or so), so you may not be able to find one.

And I'm full of suggestions, but if it was me, and others will tell you I'm full of crap, is that I wouldn't tie your all-in-one into the setup right away. I would get everything working with as basic a setup as you can. Once you are happy with call quality and the like, then I would introduce other equipment into the mix. If you only fax on rare occasion, I would be tempted to only hook it into MJ then. I've had nothing but prior bad experience with HP all-in-ones. I haven't seen anyone specifically mention HP and MJ together, but after about a year of using MJ, I can't imagine it doing anything but complicating your wonderful MJ experience. Plus, I'm totally confused, but I think some people haven't been able to fax with MJ at all, a Google search provides various thoughts on the issue.

Just one persons opinion. But since I can never seem to shut up, one word of caution. I'm not sure how much background work you've done on this, but if you want the HP tied into the system because you will be doing a lot of faxing, and are using this for a business, be careful. MagicJack has limits on usage:

"If magicJack sees excessive use, including but not limited to, a customer whose usage is twenty (20) times more than the average magicJack's customer's usage, or a customer who calls more than 50 different telephone numbers per day, or systematic or intentional misuse, it reserves the right, in our sole discretion, to terminate your use of the magicJack device and/or Software immediately, and you will not be entitled to get a refund of any licensing fee or any other fee you may have paid to us"

And they have and will just cut you off.

Good luck if you stick with MJ. If I was new to using VOIP, I might go with NetTalk first, but shhhhhh.

I don't think you are full of crap. You pretty much laid it out there for Sumralls. Now its for them to decide. so..... you are thinking NT too, ay?

[nailgunner]

I don't think you are full of crap. You pretty much laid it out there for Sumralls. Now its for them to decide. so..... you are thinking NT too, ay?

Even I think I'm full of crap, sometimes, but thank you.

I laid it out for Neptune, so there is no confusion.

And no, I'm not thinking of moving to NetTalk. If I had done some research before I bought MJ, I probably would have gone with NT instead. I have too much wasted time invested in MagicJack to start all over again. Anyone who thinks there won't be or aren't similar issues with NetTalk is only fooling themselves. A cursory review of the NetTalk forum will show numerous frustrating problems and users. And taking into account that MJ probably has at least 1000 times the users of NT, you can easily extrapolate their forum into one the size of this one. I think that overall NT would be a better starting point for a new user, but I'm not interested in being a Guinea pig with another system. As the saying goes.."Better the devil you know".

[Nugrl]

I don't think you are full of crap. You pretty much laid it out there for Sumralls. Now its for them to decide. so..... you are thinking NT too, ay?

Even I think I'm full of crap, sometimes, but thank you.

I laid it out for Neptune, so there is no confusion.

And no, I'm not thinking of moving to NetTalk. If I had done some research before I bought MJ, I probably would have gone with NT instead. I have too much wasted time invested in MagicJack to start all over again. Anyone who thinks there won't be or aren't similar issues with NetTalk is only fooling themselves. A cursory review of the NetTalk forum will show numerous frustrating problems and users. And taking into account that MJ probably has at least 1000 times the users of NT, you can easily extrapolate their forum into one the size of this one. I think that overall NT would be a better starting point for a new user, but I'm not interested in being a Guinea pig with another system. As the saying goes.."Better the devil you know".

I hear ya there, I am not sure I could handle another device to mess with right now. Hell I haven't even mastered the art of MagicJack!

[bitstopjoe]

I don't think you are full of crap. You pretty much laid it out there for Sumralls. Now its for them to decide. so..... you are thinking NT too, ay?

Even I think I'm full of crap, sometimes, but thank you.

I laid it out for Neptune, so there is no confusion.

And no, I'm not thinking of moving to NetTalk. If I had done some research before I bought MJ, I probably would have gone with NT instead. I have too much wasted time invested in MagicJack to start all over again. Anyone who thinks there won't be or aren't similar issues with NetTalk is only fooling themselves. A cursory review of the NetTalk forum will show numerous frustrating problems and users. And taking into account that MJ probably has at least 1000 times the users of NT, you can easily extrapolate their forum into one the size of this one. I think that overall NT would be a better starting point for a new user, but I'm not interested in being a Guinea pig with another system. As the saying goes.."Better the devil you know".

I hear ya there, I am not sure I could handle another device to mess with right now. Hell I haven't even mastered the art of MagicJack!

Or walking and chewing gum for that matter

[Nugrl]

Even I think I'm full of crap, sometimes, but thank you.

I laid it out for Neptune, so there is no confusion.

And no, I'm not thinking of moving to NetTalk. If I had done some research before I bought MJ, I probably would have gone with NT instead. I have too much wasted time invested in MagicJack to start all over again. Anyone who thinks there won't be or aren't similar issues with NetTalk is only fooling themselves. A cursory review of the NetTalk forum will show numerous frustrating problems and users. And taking into account that MJ probably has at least 1000 times the users of NT, you can easily extrapolate their forum into one the size of this one. I think that overall NT would be a better starting point for a new user, but I'm not interested in being a Guinea pig with another system. As the saying goes.."Better the devil you know".

I hear ya there, I am not sure I could handle another device to mess with right now. Hell I haven't even mastered the art of MagicJack!

Or walking and chewing gum for that matter

HEY, WHATS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!?!

[bitstopjoe]

A JOKE A JOKE...............................Smiley face means JOKING..

[Nugrl]

A JOKE A JOKE...............................Smiley face means JOKING..

ya, ya, sure, I've read some of your post on here lately. I sure don't want to tangle words with you!!!!

ooohh wait, don't you want me to search on here what "Smiley face" means??? lmao

[bitstopjoe]

hahahahahaha

[lychy]

Usually the machine has an in/out line.
My MJ is connected to the in line on my Brother MFC490cw, and then the out line is connected to my cordless phone.
My faxes work(almost all of the time)when I need them, and my phone calls are amazing.
I have never had problems with the calls.
Faxes can be a bit finicky, but there shouldn't really be a need to fax more than occasionally.

[bitstopjoe]

Usually the machine has an in/out line.
My MJ is connected to the in line on my Brother MFC490cw, and then the out line is connected to my cordless phone.
My faxes work(almost all of the time)when I need them, and my phone calls are amazing.
I have never had problems with the calls.
Faxes can be a bit finicky, but there shouldn't really be a need to fax more than occasionally.

I agree. I have not had to fax for a while now but when I did it worked just fine with my MJ and unless I tell someone I am using it they think I am on a landline... Other than the beeping fiasco in June 2009 I have no complaints. BUT if they start blocking numbers I call regular, then bye bye American pie...

[Nugrl]

Usually the machine has an in/out line.
My MJ is connected to the in line on my Brother MFC490cw, and then the out line is connected to my cordless phone.
My faxes work(almost all of the time)when I need them, and my phone calls are amazing.
I have never had problems with the calls.
Faxes can be a bit finicky, but there shouldn't really be a need to fax more than occasionally.

I wonder if the fact that you have the Brother MFC490cw installed between your phone and MJ if that is why your calls are amazing? ya never know... considering how finicky these little mj devices are. I for the most part have no problem faxing either, but I don't have the line coming off the mj going straight into my Epson workforce 500 unless I need to fax something. Maybe I should try the way you have yours set up. Maybe there is something to that configuration?

[bitstopjoe]

Usually the machine has an in/out line.
My MJ is connected to the in line on my Brother MFC490cw, and then the out line is connected to my cordless phone.
My faxes work(almost all of the time)when I need them, and my phone calls are amazing.
I have never had problems with the calls.
Faxes can be a bit finicky, but there shouldn't really be a need to fax more than occasionally.

I wonder if the fact that you have the Brother MFC490cw installed between your phone and MJ if that is why your calls are amazing? ya never know... considering how finicky these little mj devices are. I for the most part have no problem faxing either, but I don't have the line coming off the mj going straight into my Epson workforce 500 unless I need to fax something. Maybe I should try the way you have yours set up. Maybe there is something to that configuration?

It is possible it changes the impedance slightly of the MJ routing it through the fax machine... And that it some way helps the MJ dongle??
OR it could be FM!!!! (freaking magic NO PUN....

[lychy]

Usually the machine has an in/out line.
My MJ is connected to the in line on my Brother MFC490cw, and then the out line is connected to my cordless phone.
My faxes work(almost all of the time)when I need them, and my phone calls are amazing.
I have never had problems with the calls.
Faxes can be a bit finicky, but there shouldn't really be a need to fax more than occasionally.

I wonder if the fact that you have the Brother MFC490cw installed between your phone and MJ if that is why your calls are amazing? ya never know... considering how finicky these little mj devices are. I for the most part have no problem faxing either, but I don't have the line coming off the mj going straight into my Epson workforce 500 unless I need to fax something. Maybe I should try the way you have yours set up. Maybe there is something to that configuration?

Maybe! I have no idea. I really have excellent call quality, and I hardly ever fax. I leave the set-up like that, though, to save time and effort if I do need to fax. I need all the spare time and energy I can get until I graduate!

Try it and see!

[lychy]

Usually the machine has an in/out line.
My MJ is connected to the in line on my Brother MFC490cw, and then the out line is connected to my cordless phone.
My faxes work(almost all of the time)when I need them, and my phone calls are amazing.
I have never had problems with the calls.
Faxes can be a bit finicky, but there shouldn't really be a need to fax more than occasionally.

I agree. I have not had to fax for a while now but when I did it worked just fine with my MJ and unless I tell someone I am using it they think I am on a landline... Other than the beeping fiasco in June 2009 I have no complaints. BUT if they start blocking numbers I call regular, then bye bye American pie...

Yeah if it blocks the numbers I call it would be worthless.
Although I hardly use my cell or my MJ (usually only to talk to my mom everyday and my grandma a couple times a week), as I am NOT a phone person at all.
I'm not sure I would even pursue another device, either. It wouldn't be worth it. ESPECIALLY not the ripoffs of the phone and cable companies phone services.

[lychy]

Usually the machine has an in/out line.
My MJ is connected to the in line on my Brother MFC490cw, and then the out line is connected to my cordless phone.
My faxes work(almost all of the time)when I need them, and my phone calls are amazing.
I have never had problems with the calls.
Faxes can be a bit finicky, but there shouldn't really be a need to fax more than occasionally.

I wonder if the fact that you have the Brother MFC490cw installed between your phone and MJ if that is why your calls are amazing? ya never know... considering how finicky these little mj devices are. I for the most part have no problem faxing either, but I don't have the line coming off the mj going straight into my Epson workforce 500 unless I need to fax something. Maybe I should try the way you have yours set up. Maybe there is something to that configuration?

It is possible it changes the impedance slightly of the MJ routing it through the fax machine... And that it some way helps the MJ dongle??
OR it could be FM!!!! (freaking magic NO PUN....

lol I like that

[Nugrl]

Usually the machine has an in/out line.
My MJ is connected to the in line on my Brother MFC490cw, and then the out line is connected to my cordless phone.
My faxes work(almost all of the time)when I need them, and my phone calls are amazing.
I have never had problems with the calls.
Faxes can be a bit finicky, but there shouldn't really be a need to fax more than occasionally.

I wonder if the fact that you have the Brother MFC490cw installed between your phone and MJ if that is why your calls are amazing? ya never know... considering how finicky these little mj devices are. I for the most part have no problem faxing either, but I don't have the line coming off the mj going straight into my Epson workforce 500 unless I need to fax something. Maybe I should try the way you have yours set up. Maybe there is something to that configuration?

Maybe! I have no idea. I really have excellent call quality, and I hardly ever fax. I leave the set-up like that, though, to save time and effort if I do need to fax. I need all the spare time and energy I can get until I graduate!

Try it and see!

I think I just might do that. Let me ask you this though, when I do fax, I have to set my MJ to headset, is that how you have yours set?

[Sumrall]

I think I just might do that. Let me ask you this though, when I do fax, I have to set my MJ to headset, is that how you have yours set?

As for me, I don't touch the MJ setup. Stays on Telephone. I have two external fax machines and they both work with MJ - and NT.

The reason I mentioned to a writer about having both MJ and NT is that you can have one or other set up as dedicated fax and not have to pick up phone every time phone rings to see if fax or voice call.

[lychy]

I think I just might do that. Let me ask you this though, when I do fax, I have to set my MJ to headset, is that how you have yours set?[/quote]

I don't think I change anything when I fax. Maybe if I tried changing to headset it might work ALL the time.

[Nugrl]

I think I just might do that. Let me ask you this though, when I do fax, I have to set my MJ to headset, is that how you have yours set?
I don't think I change anything when I fax. Maybe if I tried changing to headset it might work ALL the time.

well this is my follow up. I switched my MJ over to the other computer here that has the printer/fax attached. I hooked it up, running from the computer, MJ, to the printer/fax, then from the printer/fax, out to the phone. I just so happened to have to fax something last night, and the paper feed on the fax was giving me a problem. So since I had to mess with it, I didn't even bother to check if I was set to Headset or Phone, but as it turns out it was set to Phone and I was able to fax with no problem. Other than the stink bug that was down inside my paper feed that was believe it or not, causing the printer to think there was a paper jam. After I removed the bug, and yes, squished him for causing me undo stress for about a 1/2hr. the printer/fax then worked just fine. Call quality really hasn't changed, I don't think, but, since I now hooked the MJ to the printer, then printer to phone, I no longer have to use the resistor gizmo to get the caller id to work. It works without it now. So I guess the printer/fax does do something. I will check the call quality again later today and see if I can tell any difference.