MagicJack ,magicJack only works 25 percent of the time Internet

I have read many complaints about MagicJack from multiple sites. I wanted to see for myself if these complaints are valid. I did not purchase mine from the 800 number or their website, I got mine from RadioShack for the same price - $40.

Setting up the jack is not as easy as they claim. You need some basic computer experience to make it work properly. If you are behind a firewall, it is necessary to open the correct ports, as well if you have a home network, forwarding the correct ports is necessary.

With many VOIP services, it is imperative that you not be downloading or uploading anything else while on the talking on the phone using their service. Using Voice-Over-Ip uses a lot of bandwidth and you will experience clipping if you are trying to do other things online while talking.

Also, I think the jack will work a lot better when USB 3.0 becomes available. I don't think 2.0 is quite fast enough to handle the resources necessary for voice quality.

I can tell you that so far, the MagicJack works fine for me, compared with similiar experiences from other VOIP services that I have used. Yet, the fact is the service is a lot cheaper.

...I have been using a 'Magic Jack' for many months now. It does have some idiosyncrasies, but it certainly is a efficacious device in the long run. It has saved me hundreds of cellular minutes. I particularly appreciate being able to route calls through the Magic Jack when I'm stuck on eternal 'hold' with some idiot in India, Pakistan or the Philippines as is the case with most service oriented inquiries. . One must have a fast, secure broadband connection for its successful use. Forget the streaming music when using the Magic Jack. Another oddity is the fact that when dialing most '800' numbers one must NOT dial '1' first. . For the price, it's potential is unequalled in value (of service) in comparison to ANYTHING! . To quote the OP:"You have to dial a minimum of three times before the computer recognizes the number and sends it through". I might suggest he/she allude to "I" rather than "you". That has not been my experience. Granted, the Magic Jack does require optimum connectivity conditions and an appropriately configured computer, but it DOES work. I even receive an E Mail notification of missed incoming calls. . Another acceptable oddity is the fact the area code assigned has nothing to do with the location of the buyer / user. I'm in N. IN, and my assigned area code (520) is Apache Junction, AZ. The only questionable issue with me is suspicion of the Magic Jack possibly acting as a tracking device AKA malware. Only a suspicion. . All that said: Garage-sale quality computer? And or/slow/sporadic connection? Forget using a Magic Jack.

If you are having voice quality issues all you need to do is buy a USB port with an adapter. It takes lots of energy from the computer to make a call so when you have a powered usb you don't have to worry about the computers usage. You can buy one for under 7 bucks at EFORCITY.com