I'm done with magic jack, here's why...

[Geelo]

I posted on this board before. I used magic jack for about 2 years. Here is my views on the device and service.

First is the jack itself is susceptible to EMI from any other device. It is "not" properly shielded at all. So you will hear static / signals from other close by equipment.

Second.. and the biggest issue, is the VoIP pipe / circuit that magic jack uses. It is too "over-congested" and you cannot keep adding new customers and not expand your own VoIP circuit! You are going to have calls that are unclear, that cut out, and other audio garbage (beeps, music ECT) that bleeds through.

Third, my magic jack now disconnects any other usb port that is on the computer when I try to use the phone. It is not a "driver" issue, is it because magic jack is defective and when it tries to initialize when I make a calls, it overloads the usb "internal" hub and shuts down all of the USB ports. Not happy when my USB wireless internet connection get disconnected.

I have many neutral vendor certifications in IT including It hardware and Networking. I think magic jack is still a good deal if you do not mine the above issues not the mention security / privacy issues. As for me, I am switching back to a regular land line.

[bitstopjoe]

I posted on this board before. I used magic jack for about 2 years. Here is my views on the device and service.

First is the jack itself is susceptible to EMI from any other device. It is "not" properly shielded at all. So you will hear static / signals from other close by equipment.

Second.. and the biggest issue, is the VoIP pipe / circuit that magic jack uses. It is too "over-congested" and you cannot keep adding new customers and not expand your own VoIP circuit! You are going to have calls that are unclear, that cut out, and other audio garbage (beeps, music ECT) that bleeds through.

Third, my magic jack now disconnects any other usb port that is on the computer when I try to use the phone. It is not a "driver" issue, is it because magic jack is defective and when it tries to initialize when I make a calls, it overloads the usb "internal" hub and shuts down all of the USB ports. Not happy when my USB wireless internet connection get disconnected.

I have many neutral vendor certifications in IT including It hardware and Networking. I think magic jack is still a good deal if you do not mine the above issues not the mention security / privacy issues. As for me, I am switching back to a regular land line.

I have mine 2 1/2 years and have NONE of the issues you describe, none....

[gashliquor]

I posted on this board before. I used magic jack for about 2 years. Here is my views on the device and service.

First is the jack itself is susceptible to EMI from any other device. It is "not" properly shielded at all. So you will hear static / signals from other close by equipment.

Second.. and the biggest issue, is the VoIP pipe / circuit that magic jack uses. It is too "over-congested" and you cannot keep adding new customers and not expand your own VoIP circuit! You are going to have calls that are unclear, that cut out, and other audio garbage (beeps, music ECT) that bleeds through.

Third, my magic jack now disconnects any other usb port that is on the computer when I try to use the phone. It is not a "driver" issue, is it because magic jack is defective and when it tries to initialize when I make a calls, it overloads the usb "internal" hub and shuts down all of the USB ports. Not happy when my USB wireless internet connection get disconnected.

I have many neutral vendor certifications in IT including It hardware and Networking. I think magic jack is still a good deal if you do not mine the above issues not the mention security / privacy issues. As for me, I am switching back to a regular land line.

For $20.00 a yr you can't get much, Even condoms are cheap but don't trust them either

[bitstopjoe]

Dunno but the best $20 I ever spent..
If I don't tell anyone I am on VOIP they have no idea and think I am on a regualr landline.. No special tweaks here either other than a powered USB hub.. That's it..

7 year old MB, XP Pro SP3 2 gig ram... I do keep a VERY clean PC. No unecessary programs running in the background and only needed services are running..

[kcowan]

Mine runs on a dedicated Media Center PC. Occasionally, I will stop utorrrent seeding but otherwise it is problem-free. I call for PV MX to the US and Canada but I also used it on WiFi from Italy back to Vancouver in September.

[conniemadagain]

For $20.00 a yr you can't get much, Even condoms are cheap but don't trust them either

That's why i also use a paper sack !

[bitstopjoe]

For $20.00 a yr you can't get much, Even condoms are cheap but don't trust them either

That's why i also use a paper sack !

Where?? On you OR on her

[conniemadagain]

For $20.00 a yr you can't get much, Even condoms are cheap but don't trust them either

That's why i also use a paper sack !

Where?? On you OR on her

Joe, if you have to ask you been out of touch way TOOO long ...

[bitstopjoe]

HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who told ya??

[rayj00]

I posted on this board before. I used magic jack for about 2 years. Here is my views on the device and service.

First is the jack itself is susceptible to EMI from any other device. It is "not" properly shielded at all. So you will hear static / signals from other close by equipment.

Second.. and the biggest issue, is the VoIP pipe / circuit that magic jack uses. It is too "over-congested" and you cannot keep adding new customers and not expand your own VoIP circuit! You are going to have calls that are unclear, that cut out, and other audio garbage (beeps, music ECT) that bleeds through.

Third, my magic jack now disconnects any other usb port that is on the computer when I try to use the phone. It is not a "driver" issue, is it because magic jack is defective and when it tries to initialize when I make a calls, it overloads the usb "internal" hub and shuts down all of the USB ports. Not happy when my USB wireless internet connection get disconnected.

I have many neutral vendor certifications in IT including It hardware and Networking. I think magic jack is still a good deal if you do not mine the above issues not the mention security / privacy issues. As for me, I am switching back to a regular land line.

I have been using my MJ well over a year now. I use it on my Windows Vista workstation which is bloated with tons of other softwear.

I can truthfully say I have not experienced any of the issues you list.
I am a satisfied user and would recommend it to anyone else.

[surfzombie]

I am aproching my thire renewql which means. I have had it for almost 4 years and still going strong. Have you tried a different pc? Go snag a cheap older pc if you domn't have onme ;ying around and try it on that. Maybe the one your using now has a problem playing nice because of an odd ball chipset or something that is causing a conflict One of the biggest things that I think make a difference with VOIP is your router and your ISP. I switched ISP and I installed a different router and it made a Major difference in my calls quality. I love my MJ.

[newtoncd]

I have been using my MJ well over a year now. I use it on my Windows Vista workstation which is bloated with tons of other softwear.

I can truthfully say I have not experienced any of the issues you list.
I am a satisfied user and would recommend it to anyone else.

I used to feel the same way until they started blocking exchanges. Not being able to call our family members sealed the deal for us and we have moved to nettalk.

[bitstopjoe]

I agree... I am VERY and have been very happy with my MJ for the last 2 1/2 years.. That being said if they start blocking the numbers I call most ( like family and friends) I am gone...

[cell14]

That being said if they start blocking the numbers I call most ( like family and friends) I am gone...

Blocking numbers/exchanges in metropolitan and other highly populated areas would mean a quick end to magic jack . If it was not for this and the DSL forum I would not even know that they block anything, because I (or people I know) never call those numbers. From Dan's prospective, it is O.K. to frustrate a few hundred thousand customers as long as millions are happy.

[nailgunner]

From Dan's prospective, it is O.K. to frustrate a few hundred thousand customers as long as millions are happy.

It doesn't make it right either way, but I doubt there are that many users having their calls blocked, even taking into account the Alaska situation. We will probably have to wait for the Congressional hearing to be sure.

[bitstopjoe]

No wonder Sarah hasn't returned my calls

[nailgunner]

No wonder Sarah hasn't returned my calls

Yea, I'm sure THAT'S the reason.

Actually, thinking about it now, that could explain exactly why Dan blocked the whole state. It was the only way they could stop the MagicJack stalker.

[bitstopjoe]

Oh well back to Eva then

Just don't tell Dan or there goes Ca. for MJ users

[nitemare]

How do you know which area codes are blocked?

[bitstopjoe]

How do you know which area codes are blocked?

It is not so much the area code ( except for Alaska) but the area code AND the exchange you are calling. It used to be you would hear 3 busy signals and then the call would hang up, then, at times, you will hear a pre-recorded message from MJ stating the person you are calling Telco is charging a higher termination fee. You should hear one or the other. But with MJ one never knows for sure.
Also someone compiled a list of the blocked numbers at http://typewith.me/pdoGh5rvgf. Just be aware it seems SOME blocked numbers become unblocked at MJ's whim and visa versa...

[nailgunner]

It is not so much the area code ( except for Alaska) but the area code AND the exchange you are calling. It used to be you would hear 3 busy signals and then the call would hang up, then, at times, you will hear a pre-recorded message from MJ stating the person you are calling Telco is charging a higher termination fee. You should hear one or the other. But with MJ one never knows for sure.
Also someone compiled a list of the blocked numbers at http://typewith.me/pdoGh5rvgf. Just be aware it seems SOME blocked numbers become unblocked at MJ's whim and visa versa...

To clarify a little. They recently added a second recording depending on the exchange you have reached. This one suggests you use MagicJack conference calling to make your call and gives you a connect option to set it up. Apparently those exchanges have been used by traffic-pumping operations.

And the listing seems to be on hiatus as far as changes. I'm putting my test calls on hold until if and when it gets updated. My friend, who I talked into buying MJ (maybe I should say soon to be ex-friend), seemed to be eager to take over, so maybe he will jump back in and do more updates. But my test calls showed at least 50% of the blocked exchanges were no longer being blocked. So the list is more of a historical look at what MagicJack can do when it makes an effort to. I wouldn't rely on the list as either a reason to buy or not to buy MJ, since as Joe said, MJ is blocking and unblocking with no apparent reason other than profits. But if you live in a small or remote area, or have relatives/friends in them I would think more than twice before buying MJ, because it could be rendered usless the day after you buy it. They will refund your money if you bitch loud enough about it though.

[newtoncd]

But my test calls showed at least 50% of the blocked exchanges were no longer being blocked. So the list is more of a historical look at what MagicJack can do when it makes an effort to. I wouldn't rely on the list as either a reason to buy or not to buy MJ, since as Joe said, MJ is blocking and unblocking with no apparent reason other than profits. But if you live in a small or remote area, or have relatives/friends in them I would think more than twice before buying MJ, because it could be rendered usless the day after you buy it. They will refund your money if you bitch loud enough about it though.

Yes that is true. I sent a note to the FCC and a couple of weeks later, MagicJack offered me a refund of my annual plan fee.

[Diggs]

Yes that is true. I sent a note to the FCC and a couple of weeks later, MagicJack offered me a refund of my annual plan fee.

Which may (or may not) demonstrate that the FCC complaints were effective and it is easier and more cost effective for MJ to unblock exchanges than to respond to each and every FCC reported violation.

(BTW - I received the same MJ letter after a complaint to the FCC.)

[nailgunner]

Yes that is true. I sent a note to the FCC and a couple of weeks later, MagicJack offered me a refund of my annual plan fee.

Which may (or may not) demonstrate that the FCC complaints were effective and it is easier and more cost effective for MJ to unblock exchanges than to respond to each and every FCC reported violation.

(BTW - I received the same MJ letter after a complaint to the FCC.)

I'm not an expert on how the FCC works, but I cannot conceive that there is a scenario where the FCC has determined that MJ is violating some law or regulation and is allowing them to pick which exchanges they choose to block or un-block depending on if a user has complained. That would also assume that no users from or no users calling Alaska have filed any FCC complaints.

The more logical scenario to me is that they actually are blocking exchanges where they don't have inter-connect agreements like one of their recordings say, and un-blocking them when they do. And I think the newer recording is with the exchanges that they have given up on, and are "accusing" of being traffic-pumpers.

But then again, it is MJ, and Dan and his "staff" may just be throwing darts at a dart board to decide which exchange to block, and when the dart falls out, they un-block it.

[sunnysideup1]

i hear static soemtimes but it goes w/ every other digital thing i own or use, i mean, i expect it. sometimes i need to turn my cell off, and thats it usually

it doesnt screw up my other usb devices, i have 2 slots on mylaptop, and since i use an external keyboard and mouse, i have like 1 usb that has 2 ports for those 2 ports

the magic jack usb tho is alone on its own, i read somewhere it doesnt work if its on a usb hub.

my magic jack has been ok for the most part, altho it gave me headaches once in a while, nothing too tragic.

except the part where, people i called or who called me, got mad because of some extra costs. one person actually deleted me off facebook for this..lol

there is also the fact that my mj restartd, or mj upgraded its software, and it lost my old voice record /answering machine and it actually told my caller its a magic jack fone.

that poses a problem because i told people this number was my cell, i didnt want them to have my cell number (and to have it ring all the time and people calling me when im asleep or at work-notnx)

i hate the part where it is not so discreet that it is indeed a magic jack phone/number.

[BlackmagicBoy]

Frontier telephone is blocking MJ calls

[bitstopjoe]

Frontier telephone is blocking MJ calls

As of when?? I have Frontier and have seen no such thing.. Of course if this JUST started happening I retired my MJ dongle in favor of an OBi. I still have my MJ calls forwarded to my Obi as of April 1st. Up till then I had no problems with my MJ and Frontier..
I could be location sensitive.... I am in NE PA.