In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple of
months ago.
It performs as advertised.
Inital purchase is $40.00 which covers MagicJack hardware and 1st
year's service.
Add a cheap hand set or even a head set and you are done.
After that it is $20/year for unlimited phone service.
An international plan is available at extra cost.
One caveat:
Your puter must be up and running for Magic Jack to function.
BTW, the installation is straight forward, even this dummy had no
problems.
No, I have no vested interest in MagicJack.
Have fun.
Lew
FrozenNorth wrote:
> On 9/17/10 2:34 PM, Swingman wrote:
>> On 9/17/2010 1:14 PM, FrozenNorth wrote:
>>
>>> Google does not require the receiver to have a computer, just the
>>> initiator of the call. Goes out via VOIP, at some point it will
>>> connect with a regular land line.
>>
>> I do use Google Voice on my mobile phone (Droid X) for international
>> calls only, and it works fine at very reasonable rates.
>>
>> Whether it goes over my wifi connection, or over 3G voice/data, I'm
>> not certain, but I can't imagine Verizon allowing a phone call over
>> wifi without getting a piece of the pie. :(
>>
> Not to pick nits, but iPhones and Droids are more of a computer than a
> phone these days. Point being, a plain old dumb phone hanging on the
> wall, or older generation cell phones will *not* allow a call to be
> initiated, but are very capable of receiving a Google Voice call.
Not true. I have called a friend's skype phone from my cell and from my
home phone. Or - am I missing your point? I don't even have a skype
account so I can assure you it is not true that skype is required on both
ends. When placing a cell phone call - even from a smart phone today,
(assuming basic celll service and not a hot spot), it's just a cell call to
the skype number.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:18:11 -0400, "Mike Marlow"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Leon wrote:
>> "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>>> of months ago.
>>>
>>> It performs as advertised.
>>>
>
>>
>> My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you
>> need to buy is a web cam.
>
>I'm curious what people are experiencing in quality with voice over the
>public internet. It's not the ideal transport.
Damnear -every- time someone calls me via VOIP or a cell phone, I hear
dropouts and get at least one disconnect. Neither is ready for prime
time. Call any tech support line and listen to the broken music
stream to see how well VOIP technology is doing. The tech is telling
you the exact keystroke or spelling a web address when there is a
sudden 3 second silence and they wonder why you're having trouble
understanding them (not to mention the BritIndian accent.) Suckage!
Portable phones are subject to fading, and the occasional glerp, but
they don't have the dead silence of cellphone dropouts.
Given both my experience from the other end and friends' experiences
with Magic Jack, Skype, and other VOIP, I won't be adopting the
technology any time soon. I have a cellphone in the truck for
emergencies and use it about 15 minutes a year, tracking down client
houses when they've given me the wrong address or bad directions.
I much prefer the solid performance of a landline, thanks.
--
Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for
anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one
tumble down the stairs.
Robatoy wrote:
>
> I have talked to a few people VOIP and the quality varies immensely.
> Some have such awful echo's as to be unusable. Some are as clear as a
> bell and one particular number I talk to can be great, noisy or echo-y
> without there being any reason as to why. My BIL is overseas (Far
> East) and he will call and the first thing he'll ask is how the
> connection is. If it sucks, he calls right back and often it will
> change up or down.
VoIP is still in the refinement stages across all carriers, but this is VoIP
over the public internet. I'd expect a lot of quality issues with it. Is
your BIL using the public internet for his VoIP, or is he going through a
carrier?
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple of
> months ago.
>
> It performs as advertised.
>
> Inital purchase is $40.00 which covers MagicJack hardware and 1st year's
> service.
>
> Add a cheap hand set or even a head set and you are done.
>
> After that it is $20/year for unlimited phone service.
>
> An international plan is available at extra cost.
>
> One caveat:
>
> Your puter must be up and running for Magic Jack to function.
>
> BTW, the installation is straight forward, even this dummy had no
> problems.
>
> No, I have no vested interest in MagicJack.
>
> Have fun.
>
What?? You don't own MagicJack?? LOL
What I have heard is that if it works, you are fine. If it doesn't, you are
screwed. Like many modern companies, there is NO service of any kind.
But for a few bucks, it is definitely worth the risk for many people.
"Lew Hodgett" wrote
>
> "Lee Michaels" wrote:
>
>> What I have heard is that if it works, you are fine. If it doesn't,
>> you are screwed. Like many modern companies, there is NO service of
>> any kind.
> -----------------------------
> Was able to get online support to answer a question.
>
> Much like Astraweb support.
>
Well, maybe it is better now.
Good to hear.
"KIMOSABE" wrote:
> If I have a base unit phone plugged into my MJack, will the other
> wireless phone extensions in the house ring and receive the call, or
> just the phone connected directly to the jack?
--------------------------
Should work but go to magicjack.com and check it out.
---------------------------
> When the computer is off, is there voice mail, and is there an alert
> system to show that messages are waiting?
----------------------------
Yes. When puter powers up, you can retrieve voicemails.
----------------------------------
SFWIW, I maintain a basic landline for all incoming calls as well as
911 registration.
All outgoing traffic goes via magicjack.
Lew
Robatoy wrote:
> On Sep 17, 11:26 am, "Mike Marlow" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>> Robatoy wrote:
>>
>>> I have talked to a few people VOIP and the quality varies immensely.
>>> Some have such awful echo's as to be unusable. Some are as clear as
>>> a bell and one particular number I talk to can be great, noisy or
>>> echo-y without there being any reason as to why. My BIL is overseas
>>> (Far East) and he will call and the first thing he'll ask is how the
>>> connection is. If it sucks, he calls right back and often it will
>>> change up or down.
>>
>> VoIP is still in the refinement stages across all carriers, but this
>> is VoIP over the public internet. I'd expect a lot of quality issues
>> with it. Is your BIL using the public internet for his VoIP, or is
>> he going through a carrier?
>>
>> --
>>
>> -Mike-
>> [email protected]
>
> From his hotel using his laptop. So I would say public internet.
> When he calls from his office, which he seldom does, it is always
> crystal clear.
In that case it's more likely to be a reflection of the hotel network.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
Lew Hodgett wrote:
> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple of
> months ago.
>
> It performs as advertised.
>
> Inital purchase is $40.00 which covers MagicJack hardware and 1st
> year's service.
>
> Add a cheap hand set or even a head set and you are done.
>
> After that it is $20/year for unlimited phone service.
>
> An international plan is available at extra cost.
>
> One caveat:
>
> Your puter must be up and running for Magic Jack to function.
>
> BTW, the installation is straight forward, even this dummy had no
> problems.
>
> No, I have no vested interest in MagicJack.
>
> Have fun.
>
>
> Lew
>
>
Will it support 4 phones scattered about the house plus one in the
shop, and an answering machine?
--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA
Feudalism: When its your Count that votes!
On 9/17/2010 1:49 PM, FrozenNorth wrote:
> On 9/17/10 2:34 PM, Swingman wrote:
>> On 9/17/2010 1:14 PM, FrozenNorth wrote:
>>
>>> Google does not require the receiver to have a computer, just the
>>> initiator of the call. Goes out via VOIP, at some point it will connect
>>> with a regular land line.
>>
>> I do use Google Voice on my mobile phone (Droid X) for international
>> calls only, and it works fine at very reasonable rates.
>>
>> Whether it goes over my wifi connection, or over 3G voice/data, I'm not
>> certain, but I can't imagine Verizon allowing a phone call over wifi
>> without getting a piece of the pie. :(
>>
> Not to pick nits, but iPhones and Droids are more of a computer than a
> phone these days. Point being, a plain old dumb phone hanging on the
> wall, or older generation cell phones will *not* allow a call to be
> initiated, but are very capable of receiving a Google Voice call.>
If you're going to pick nits, that a damn good one to pick! :)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)
FrozenNorth wrote:
> On 9/17/10 1:50 PM, willshak wrote:
>> Google phone and Skype require both the caller and reciever have a
>> computer and either Skype installed or a Google gmail account.
>
> Google does not require the receiver to have a computer, just the
> initiator of the call. Goes out via VOIP, at some point it will
> connect with a regular land line.
Likewise, Skype does not require participation on both ends. I have called
a friend on his skype phone from my cell phone many times.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On Sep 17, 9:18=A0am, "Mike Marlow" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Leon wrote:
> > "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> >> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
> >> of months ago.
>
> >> It performs as advertised.
>
> > My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you
> > need to buy is a web cam.
>
> I'm curious what people are experiencing in quality with voice over the
> public internet. =A0It's not the ideal transport.
>
> --
>
> -Mike-
> [email protected]
I have talked to a few people VOIP and the quality varies immensely.
Some have such awful echo's as to be unusable. Some are as clear as a
bell and one particular number I talk to can be great, noisy or echo-y
without there being any reason as to why. My BIL is overseas (Far
East) and he will call and the first thing he'll ask is how the
connection is. If it sucks, he calls right back and often it will
change up or down.
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> imagine my sometimes awe when reflecting on the fact that I can now click
> an icon and take a tour of my daughters new house just by her walking
> about with her laptop! :0)
Face it Karl. You're getting old and spoiled. :)
On 9/17/2010 10:53 AM, Han wrote:
> I use Skype to call my sister in France. Mostly, no problems whatsoever.
> The worst is generally a slight delay.
I use Skype to video call my daughter in the UK and visit with my
grandsons. Works a treat.
I'm from the generation who's first phone number had ONLY four digits,
and only the very rich could afford a single party line, so you can
imagine my sometimes awe when reflecting on the fact that I can now
click an icon and take a tour of my daughters new house just by her
walking about with her laptop! :0)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On 9/17/2010 2:07 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
> FrozenNorth wrote:
>> Not to pick nits, but iPhones and Droids are more of a computer than a
>> phone these days. Point being, a plain old dumb phone hanging on the
>> wall, or older generation cell phones will *not* allow a call to be
>> initiated, but are very capable of receiving a Google Voice call.
>
> Not true. I have called a friend's skype phone from my cell and from my
> home phone. Or - am I missing your point? I don't even have a skype
> account so I can assure you it is not true that skype is required on both
> ends. When placing a cell phone call - even from a smart phone today,
> (assuming basic celll service and not a hot spot), it's just a cell call to
> the skype number.
Keywords: "will *not* allow a call to be initiated,..." :)
^^^^^^^^^
BTW, Mike ... and speaking of connecting, sorry we could not get
together on your trip to Dallas. We did go up to AR on Labor day
weekend, but not the weekend you were going through the area.
Damn shame ... virtual travel, no problem. Actually getting somewhere on
the ground, a bit more difficult! :)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple of
> months ago.
>
> It performs as advertised.
>
> Inital purchase is $40.00 which covers MagicJack hardware and 1st year's
> service.
>
> Add a cheap hand set or even a head set and you are done.
>
> After that it is $20/year for unlimited phone service.
>
> An international plan is available at extra cost.
>
> One caveat:
>
> Your puter must be up and running for Magic Jack to function.
>
> BTW, the installation is straight forward, even this dummy had no
> problems.
>
> No, I have no vested interest in MagicJack.
>
> Have fun.
My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you need
to buy is a web cam.
"Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> Robatoy wrote:
>
>>
>> I have talked to a few people VOIP and the quality varies immensely.
>> Some have such awful echo's as to be unusable. Some are as clear as a
>> bell and one particular number I talk to can be great, noisy or
>> echo-y without there being any reason as to why. My BIL is overseas
>> (Far East) and he will call and the first thing he'll ask is how the
>> connection is. If it sucks, he calls right back and often it will
>> change up or down.
>
> VoIP is still in the refinement stages across all carriers, but this
> is VoIP over the public internet. I'd expect a lot of quality issues
> with it. Is your BIL using the public internet for his VoIP, or is he
> going through a carrier?
I use Skype to call my sister in France. Mostly, no problems whatsoever.
The worst is generally a slight delay.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
FrozenNorth <[email protected]> wrote in news:i70582$sb5$1
@news.eternal-september.org:
> You can try it yourself from Google now for free, all you need is a
> microphone and speakers on your computer. And of course a gmail account.
>
> http://www.google.com/chat/voice/
>
Haven't tried google, but Skype works fine. From Jersey to France through
Verizon FiOS.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
Swingman <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> On 9/17/2010 10:53 AM, Han wrote:
>
>> I use Skype to call my sister in France. Mostly, no problems
>> whatsoever. The worst is generally a slight delay.
>
> I use Skype to video call my daughter in the UK and visit with my
> grandsons. Works a treat.
>
> I'm from the generation who's first phone number had ONLY four digits,
> and only the very rich could afford a single party line, so you can
> imagine my sometimes awe when reflecting on the fact that I can now
> click an icon and take a tour of my daughters new house just by her
> walking about with her laptop! :0)
My son vetoed video calls. I had thought it would be nice to see and talk
to my grandson, but he was too enamoured of computers and buttons in
general (that was at age 2). I'm jealous.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
On Sep 17, 11:26=A0am, "Mike Marlow" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Robatoy wrote:
>
> > I have talked to a few people VOIP and the quality varies immensely.
> > Some have such awful echo's as to be unusable. Some are as clear as a
> > bell and one particular number I talk to can be great, noisy or echo-y
> > without there being any reason as to why. My BIL is overseas (Far
> > East) and he will call and the first thing he'll ask is how the
> > connection is. If it sucks, he calls right back and often it will
> > change up or down.
>
> VoIP is still in the refinement stages across all carriers, but this is V=
oIP
> over the public internet. =A0I'd expect a lot of quality issues with it. =
=A0Is
> your BIL using the public internet for his VoIP, or is he going through a
> carrier?
>
> --
>
> -Mike-
> [email protected]
From his hotel using his laptop. So I would say public internet.
When he calls from his office, which he seldom does, it is always
crystal clear.
FrozenNorth wrote:
> On 9/17/10 3:07 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
>> FrozenNorth wrote:
>>> On 9/17/10 2:34 PM, Swingman wrote:
>>>> On 9/17/2010 1:14 PM, FrozenNorth wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Google does not require the receiver to have a computer, just the
>>>>> initiator of the call. Goes out via VOIP, at some point it will
>>>>> connect with a regular land line.
>>>>
>>>> I do use Google Voice on my mobile phone (Droid X) for
>>>> international calls only, and it works fine at very reasonable
>>>> rates. Whether it goes over my wifi connection, or over 3G voice/data,
>>>> I'm
>>>> not certain, but I can't imagine Verizon allowing a phone call over
>>>> wifi without getting a piece of the pie. :(
>>>>
>>> Not to pick nits, but iPhones and Droids are more of a computer
>>> than a phone these days. Point being, a plain old dumb phone
>>> hanging on the wall, or older generation cell phones will *not*
>>> allow a call to be initiated, but are very capable of receiving a
>>> Google Voice call.
>>
>> Not true. I have called a friend's skype phone from my cell and
>> from my home phone. Or - am I missing your point? I don't even
>> have a skype account so I can assure you it is not true that skype
>> is required on both ends. When placing a cell phone call - even
>> from a smart phone today, (assuming basic celll service and not a
>> hot spot), it's just a cell call to the skype number.
>>
> Google Voice is *not* Skype.
My bad. I think I got a couple of posts mixed up. I thought someone said
neither skype nor google.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
Leon wrote:
> "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>> of months ago.
>>
>> It performs as advertised.
>>
>
> My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you
> need to buy is a web cam.
I'm curious what people are experiencing in quality with voice over the
public internet. It's not the ideal transport.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
I know the answer to this is probably in the tech talk above, but for
us cavemen, let's retry a question:
If I have a base unit phone plugged into my MJack, will the other
wireless phone extensions in the house ring and receive the call, or
just the phone connected directly to the jack?
When the computer is off, is there voice mail, and is there an alert
system to show that messages are waiting?
Thanx
On 9/17/2010 8:53 AM, Han wrote:
> "Mike Marlow"<[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
>> Robatoy wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> I have talked to a few people VOIP and the quality varies immensely.
>>> Some have such awful echo's as to be unusable. Some are as clear as a
>>> bell and one particular number I talk to can be great, noisy or
>>> echo-y without there being any reason as to why. My BIL is overseas
>>> (Far East) and he will call and the first thing he'll ask is how the
>>> connection is. If it sucks, he calls right back and often it will
>>> change up or down.
>>
>> VoIP is still in the refinement stages across all carriers, but this
>> is VoIP over the public internet. I'd expect a lot of quality issues
>> with it. Is your BIL using the public internet for his VoIP, or is he
>> going through a carrier?
>
> I use Skype to call my sister in France. Mostly, no problems whatsoever.
> The worst is generally a slight delay.
I also agree that the quality of VoIP varies a lot. I used Skype between
Lhasa Tibet and my family in West Virginia. It worked great. I tried it
between Mammoth Lakes California and my family and it was not usable.
Mammoth Lakes has poor internet service.
Dan
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple of
> months ago.
>
> It performs as advertised.
>
> Inital purchase is $40.00 which covers MagicJack hardware and 1st year's
> service.
>
> Add a cheap hand set or even a head set and you are done.
>
> After that it is $20/year for unlimited phone service.
One point to note. If you buy an extra years package you have to go in and
manually add it to your account. I paid for a five year extension discount
when I got mine, and after the first year my jack went dead until their tech
people told me I had to add my package to the particular jack on-line.
> An international plan is available at extra cost.
>
> One caveat:
>
> Your puter must be up and running for Magic Jack to function.
I read a couple sites about a "hack" for Magic Jack using a particular
router so that your unit runs off the router instead of your computer. It's
a direct violation of your TOS though. Its up to you if you want to follow
up or not. I leave my computers on all the time and only use my Magic Jack
as an overflow for outgoing calls anyway. The resident ap does not seem to
use excessive processor time when you are not on an actual call.
> BTW, the installation is straight forward, even this dummy had no
> problems.
I found it to be pretty straight forward as well, but a buddy of mine who I
loaned it to try out over a weekend had an absolute hissy fit over the idea
of how it works, and tried to claim it didn't work for shit. He gets it in
his mind how he "wants" something and if it isn't that way its broken. LOL.
His ISP provides upto 8 gig burstable and he never tests less than 2 or 3.
I get about 500-600K and it works fine for me as long as my wife and son
aren't both on-line gaming at the same time.
> No, I have no vested interest in MagicJack.
Me either. I think if I was doing the limited budget traveler thing I'ld
plug one into my laptop and use it anyplace I could find a free hotspot.
> Have fun.
Going fishing this afternoon. I plan to have fun. Might even catch a fish
or two.
Bob
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Lee Michaels" wrote:
>
>> What I have heard is that if it works, you are fine. If it doesn't, you
>> are screwed. Like many modern companies, there is NO service of any kind.
> -----------------------------
> Was able to get online support to answer a question.
Same here.
"Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Leon wrote:
>> "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>>> of months ago.
>>>
>>> It performs as advertised.
>>>
>
>>
>> My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you
>> need to buy is a web cam.
>
> I'm curious what people are experiencing in quality with voice over the
> public internet. It's not the ideal transport.
Tons of folks are using VOIP commercially. The primary limitation is the
quality of your ISP for interoffice or external calling. Where its really
used on the commercial end is over their "private" WAN or VPN. If a company
has offices in different areas, they set up their phone systems to use the
net for VOIP between systems so calling somebody at the Mexico office,
Arizona office, or Chicago office is just an internal extension number on
their phone system. This is not magic jack however. These are systems
designed to optimize network traffic for VOIP. Also, they use them
internally to create VOIP extensions locally over their LAN, and even
virtual extensions on computer workstations on their LAN just using a
headset. Most commercial VOIP systems charge per seat to license the
software, but there is atleast one open source system out there that I have
heard of if you have good IT guys who don't mind actually earning their
salary. Call centers really use this sort of thing to a big extent.
"HeyBub" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Gerald Ross wrote:
>> Lew Hodgett wrote:
>>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>>> of months ago.
>>>
>>> It performs as advertised.
>>>
>>> Inital purchase is $40.00 which covers MagicJack hardware and 1st
>>> year's service.
>>>
>>> Add a cheap hand set or even a head set and you are done.
>>>
>>> After that it is $20/year for unlimited phone service.
>>>
>>> An international plan is available at extra cost.
>>>
>>> One caveat:
>>>
>>> Your puter must be up and running for Magic Jack to function.
>>>
>>> BTW, the installation is straight forward, even this dummy had no
>>> problems.
>>>
>>> No, I have no vested interest in MagicJack.
>>>
>>> Have fun.
>>>
>>>
>>> Lew
>>>
>>>
>> Will it support 4 phones scattered about the house plus one in the
>> shop, and an answering machine?
>
> Sure. You plug the MJ into your computer and any number of telephone
> devices into the MJ. The telephone plug on the MJ should be functionally
> identical to a POTS incoming trunk line.
Maybe, but I would think it has a REN limitation just like a regular phone
line does. Been a while, but I think a POTS line in the US is only required
to have a REN of 4 or 5. Many rural and even suburbian exchanges don't even
have that high of a REN. Also, you have to understand that every phone
device you plug into it is powered of the USB port of your computer. I
would think if you wanted this type of application a multi extension
cordless with built in answering machine would work the best as it would not
have a REN of more than 1 since each cordless ringer is powered off its own
internal battery.
On 9/17/10 9:18 AM, Mike Marlow wrote:
> Leon wrote:
>> "Lew Hodgett"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>>> of months ago.
>>>
>>> It performs as advertised.
>>>
>
>>
>> My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you
>> need to buy is a web cam.
>
> I'm curious what people are experiencing in quality with voice over the
> public internet. It's not the ideal transport.
>
You can try it yourself from Google now for free, all you need is a
microphone and speakers on your computer. And of course a gmail account.
http://www.google.com/chat/voice/
--
Froz...
The system will be down for 10 days for preventive maintenance.
> Google phone and Skype require both the caller and reciever have a
> computer and either Skype installed or a Google gmail account.
>
What? Where did you get this false information?
I just used googlevoice to call my wife at work, which is a land line.
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
On 9/17/10 1:50 PM, willshak wrote:
> FrozenNorth wrote the following:
>> On 9/17/10 9:18 AM, Mike Marlow wrote:
>>> Leon wrote:
>>>> "Lew Hodgett"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>>>>> of months ago.
>>>>>
>>>>> It performs as advertised.
>>>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you
>>>> need to buy is a web cam.
>>>
>>> I'm curious what people are experiencing in quality with voice over the
>>> public internet. It's not the ideal transport.
>>>
>> You can try it yourself from Google now for free, all you need is a
>> microphone and speakers on your computer. And of course a gmail account.
>>
>> http://www.google.com/chat/voice/
>>
>
> Google phone and Skype require both the caller and reciever have a
> computer and either Skype installed or a Google gmail account.
Google does not require the receiver to have a computer, just the
initiator of the call. Goes out via VOIP, at some point it will connect
with a regular land line.
--
Froz...
The system will be down for 10 days for preventive maintenance.
On 9/17/10 1:06 PM, -MIKE- wrote:
>> Google phone and Skype require both the caller and reciever have a
>> computer and either Skype installed or a Google gmail account.
>>
>
> What? Where did you get this false information?
> I just used googlevoice to call my wife at work, which is a land line.
>
And I just called a friend's cell phone and had a nice, clear
conversation.
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
On 9/17/10 2:34 PM, Swingman wrote:
> On 9/17/2010 1:14 PM, FrozenNorth wrote:
>
>> Google does not require the receiver to have a computer, just the
>> initiator of the call. Goes out via VOIP, at some point it will connect
>> with a regular land line.
>
> I do use Google Voice on my mobile phone (Droid X) for international
> calls only, and it works fine at very reasonable rates.
>
> Whether it goes over my wifi connection, or over 3G voice/data, I'm not
> certain, but I can't imagine Verizon allowing a phone call over wifi
> without getting a piece of the pie. :(
>
Not to pick nits, but iPhones and Droids are more of a computer than a
phone these days. Point being, a plain old dumb phone hanging on the
wall, or older generation cell phones will *not* allow a call to be
initiated, but are very capable of receiving a Google Voice call.
--
Froz...
The system will be down for 10 days for preventive maintenance.
On 9/17/10 1:46 PM, KIMOSABE wrote:
> I know the answer to this is probably in the tech talk above, but for
> us cavemen, let's retry a question:
>
> If I have a base unit phone plugged into my MJack, will the other
> wireless phone extensions in the house ring and receive the call, or
> just the phone connected directly to the jack?
>
> When the computer is off, is there voice mail, and is there an alert
> system to show that messages are waiting?
>
> Thanx
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=MagicJack
see FAQ
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
On 9/17/10 3:07 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
> FrozenNorth wrote:
>> On 9/17/10 2:34 PM, Swingman wrote:
>>> On 9/17/2010 1:14 PM, FrozenNorth wrote:
>>>
>>>> Google does not require the receiver to have a computer, just the
>>>> initiator of the call. Goes out via VOIP, at some point it will
>>>> connect with a regular land line.
>>>
>>> I do use Google Voice on my mobile phone (Droid X) for international
>>> calls only, and it works fine at very reasonable rates.
>>>
>>> Whether it goes over my wifi connection, or over 3G voice/data, I'm
>>> not certain, but I can't imagine Verizon allowing a phone call over
>>> wifi without getting a piece of the pie. :(
>>>
>> Not to pick nits, but iPhones and Droids are more of a computer than a
>> phone these days. Point being, a plain old dumb phone hanging on the
>> wall, or older generation cell phones will *not* allow a call to be
>> initiated, but are very capable of receiving a Google Voice call.
>
> Not true. I have called a friend's skype phone from my cell and from my
> home phone. Or - am I missing your point? I don't even have a skype
> account so I can assure you it is not true that skype is required on both
> ends. When placing a cell phone call - even from a smart phone today,
> (assuming basic celll service and not a hot spot), it's just a cell call to
> the skype number.
>
Google Voice is *not* Skype.
--
Froz...
The system will be down for 10 days for preventive maintenance.
On 9/17/2010 1:50 PM, willshak wrote:
> FrozenNorth wrote the following:
>> On 9/17/10 9:18 AM, Mike Marlow wrote:
>>> Leon wrote:
>>>> "Lew Hodgett"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>>>>> of months ago.
>>>>>
>>>>> It performs as advertised.
>>>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you
>>>> need to buy is a web cam.
>>>
>>> I'm curious what people are experiencing in quality with voice over the
>>> public internet. It's not the ideal transport.
>>>
>> You can try it yourself from Google now for free, all you need is a
>> microphone and speakers on your computer. And of course a gmail account.
>>
>> http://www.google.com/chat/voice/
>>
>
> Google phone and Skype require both the caller and reciever have a
> computer and either Skype installed or a Google gmail account.
Skype can initiate calls to and receive calls from any conventional
telephone. There is a fee charged for calls that are not Skype-to-Skype
though.
While Google voice requires a computer or supported mobile device to
place a call, the device used to set up the call does not have to be one
that is involved in the actual conversation--the connection can be from
just about any phone to just about any phone. There seems to be no fee
charged for this for calls within the US.
For an example of how it works, I called a friend of mine just now using
Google voice. I entered his number and told it to use my home phone. A
moment later my land-line phone rang, I picked it up, listened to his
phone ring, and we had our conversation.
> Magic jack connects to regular land lines and cell phones. The recipient
> does not need a computer to recieve or initiate a call, they answer or
> initiate calls on their regular phone or cell.phone.
> Calls made to a MJ owner whose computer is off, get an email notifying
> them of the missed call.
> i.e.
>
> Dear magicJack User:
>
> You received a new 0:10 minutes voicemail message, on Wednesday,
> September 01, 2010 at 03:19:51 PM in mailbox <my MJ phone number> from
> <caller's phone number>.
>
> To access your voicemail:
>
> Double click the attached .WAV file, or dial your magicJack telephone
> number from any telephone and press the "*" key at the welcome prompt.
> You will be asked to enter your voicemail password.
>
> You may also click on the "VMAIL" button on your computer's magicJack
> display and then press the "*" key at the welcome prompt. You will be
> asked to enter your voicemail password.
>
>
>
On 9/17/10 2:23 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
> SFWIW, I maintain a basic landline for all incoming calls as well as
> 911 registration.
>
That's really the only reason I've kept a landline, but that's become moot.
I got rear-ended and called 911 on my cell phone, because the person who
hit me was slumped over.
I started to tell them where I was and the dispatcher said they knew
where I was and was sending an ambulance.
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
On 9/17/2010 4:55 PM, -MIKE- wrote:
> On 9/17/10 2:23 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
>> SFWIW, I maintain a basic landline for all incoming calls as well as
>> 911 registration.
>>
>
> That's really the only reason I've kept a landline, but that's become moot.
> I got rear-ended and called 911 on my cell phone, because the person who
> hit me was slumped over.
> I started to tell them where I was and the dispatcher said they knew
> where I was and was sending an ambulance.
You're lucky that you can do that. I'd ditch the land-line if I could
use a cell phone in my house, but I've got foil vapor barrier and the
inside is a cell-phone dead zone. Tried a repeater a while back and it
worked for a couple of years then died as soon as the warranty expired.
On 9/18/2010 9:33 AM, Leon wrote:
> "Mike Marlow"<[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Leon wrote:
>>> "Lew Hodgett"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>>>> of months ago.
>>>>
>>>> It performs as advertised.
>>>>
>>
>>>
>>> My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you
>>> need to buy is a web cam.
>>
>> I'm curious what people are experiencing in quality with voice over the
>> public internet. It's not the ideal transport.
>
>
> My BIL swears by it, he got rid of his regular telephone land line and uses
> a dumbed down DSL of sorts, it runs at 756 mbps IIRC, and he uses it for
> conference calls with an attorney that he works with, they both use it, to
> avoid cell phone usage.
If you've got any kind of broadband the problem with voice would be
latency, not bandwidth.
On Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:52:17 -0700, "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]>
wrote:
Lots of folks have problems with it here, but mostly with wireless phone
service..
Those with "land lines " have better luck..
>In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple of
>months ago.
>
>It performs as advertised.
>
>Inital purchase is $40.00 which covers MagicJack hardware and 1st
>year's service.
>
>Add a cheap hand set or even a head set and you are done.
>
>After that it is $20/year for unlimited phone service.
>
>An international plan is available at extra cost.
>
>One caveat:
>
>Your puter must be up and running for Magic Jack to function.
>
>BTW, the installation is straight forward, even this dummy had no
>problems.
>
>No, I have no vested interest in MagicJack.
>
>Have fun.
>
>
>Lew
>
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
"Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Leon wrote:
>> "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>>> of months ago.
>>>
>>> It performs as advertised.
>>>
>
>>
>> My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you
>> need to buy is a web cam.
>
> I'm curious what people are experiencing in quality with voice over the
> public internet. It's not the ideal transport.
My BIL swears by it, he got rid of his regular telephone land line and uses
a dumbed down DSL of sorts, it runs at 756 mbps IIRC, and he uses it for
conference calls with an attorney that he works with, they both use it, to
avoid cell phone usage.
Gerald Ross wrote:
> Lew Hodgett wrote:
>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>> of months ago.
>>
>> It performs as advertised.
>>
>> Inital purchase is $40.00 which covers MagicJack hardware and 1st
>> year's service.
>>
>> Add a cheap hand set or even a head set and you are done.
>>
>> After that it is $20/year for unlimited phone service.
>>
>> An international plan is available at extra cost.
>>
>> One caveat:
>>
>> Your puter must be up and running for Magic Jack to function.
>>
>> BTW, the installation is straight forward, even this dummy had no
>> problems.
>>
>> No, I have no vested interest in MagicJack.
>>
>> Have fun.
>>
>>
>> Lew
>>
>>
> Will it support 4 phones scattered about the house plus one in the
> shop, and an answering machine?
Sure. You plug the MJ into your computer and any number of telephone devices
into the MJ. The telephone plug on the MJ should be functionally identical
to a POTS incoming trunk line.
On 9/17/2010 1:14 PM, FrozenNorth wrote:
> Google does not require the receiver to have a computer, just the
> initiator of the call. Goes out via VOIP, at some point it will connect
> with a regular land line.
I do use Google Voice on my mobile phone (Droid X) for international
calls only, and it works fine at very reasonable rates.
Whether it goes over my wifi connection, or over 3G voice/data, I'm not
certain, but I can't imagine Verizon allowing a phone call over wifi
without getting a piece of the pie. :(
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)
FrozenNorth wrote the following:
> On 9/17/10 9:18 AM, Mike Marlow wrote:
>> Leon wrote:
>>> "Lew Hodgett"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>> In the SFWIW category, I bought into the MagicJack package a couple
>>>> of months ago.
>>>>
>>>> It performs as advertised.
>>>>
>>
>>>
>>> My BIL looked into that but now uses a free internet program, all you
>>> need to buy is a web cam.
>>
>> I'm curious what people are experiencing in quality with voice over the
>> public internet. It's not the ideal transport.
>>
> You can try it yourself from Google now for free, all you need is a
> microphone and speakers on your computer. And of course a gmail account.
>
> http://www.google.com/chat/voice/
>
Google phone and Skype require both the caller and reciever have a
computer and either Skype installed or a Google gmail account.
Magic jack connects to regular land lines and cell phones. The recipient
does not need a computer to recieve or initiate a call, they answer or
initiate calls on their regular phone or cell.phone.
Calls made to a MJ owner whose computer is off, get an email notifying
them of the missed call.
i.e.
Dear magicJack User:
You received a new 0:10 minutes voicemail message, on Wednesday, September 01, 2010 at 03:19:51 PM in mailbox <my MJ phone number> from <caller's phone number>.
To access your voicemail:
Double click the attached .WAV file, or dial your magicJack telephone number from any telephone and press the "*" key at the welcome prompt. You will be asked to enter your voicemail password.
You may also click on the "VMAIL" button on your computer's magicJack display and then press the "*" key at the welcome prompt. You will be asked to enter your voicemail password.
--
Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @
J. Clarke wrote the following:
> On 9/17/2010 4:55 PM, -MIKE- wrote:
>> On 9/17/10 2:23 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
>>> SFWIW, I maintain a basic landline for all incoming calls as well as
>>> 911 registration.
>>>
>>
>> That's really the only reason I've kept a landline, but that's become
>> moot.
>> I got rear-ended and called 911 on my cell phone, because the person who
>> hit me was slumped over.
>> I started to tell them where I was and the dispatcher said they knew
>> where I was and was sending an ambulance.
>
> You're lucky that you can do that. I'd ditch the land-line if I could
> use a cell phone in my house, but I've got foil vapor barrier and the
> inside is a cell-phone dead zone. Tried a repeater a while back and
> it worked for a couple of years then died as soon as the warranty
> expired.
The home phone here is just used for my wife who is on the phone most of
the morning with family and friends, one of which is a friend who calls
whenever she has a thought. :-)
I got tired of asking the wife to get off the phone so I could make a call.
As for my cell phone, It rarely gets a connection in my basement where
my computer is, depending upon which way the wind is blowing outside, so
I can't use that reliably.
--
Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @
-MIKE- wrote the following:
>> Google phone and Skype require both the caller and reciever have a
>> computer and either Skype installed or a Google gmail account.
>>
>
> What? Where did you get this false information?
> I just used googlevoice to call my wife at work, which is a land line.
>
>
>
I read it on the web, so it must be true. :-)
--
Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @