MAGICJACK ELIMINATES MONTHLY PHONE BILLS

It can be really confusing these days given all of the telephone services and plans that are available. Even if you just take a look at the traditional phone services, it's still tough to figure out exactly what's being offered and by whom. The big names like AT&T compete with the local telephone companies who offer their own calling plans. And then just when you think you have it figured out, the companies merge and it's a whole new ball game which was exactly what happened to me with Bell South who became Cingular who became the "New" AT&T.

Now factor in cell phone calling plans and it can make your head spin. Some cell companies offer long distance plans so attractive that they have convinced many to completely abandon having a wired phone of any kind in their home. But there are long term contracts involved here so be careful.
And then there's the Internet.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Vonage and Skype offer highly competitive plans but some require special telephones and equipment that can be costly, plus many have those long term contracts as well so once again, be careful before you commit. But now there's something even newer and this one seems to eliminate most of the objections. It's called the MagicJack.

Looking much like one of those flash memory sticks, the slightly larger MagicJack plugs into any available USB port on your computer. At the other end is a telephone jack into which you plug any ordinary telephone. As with other VoIP services, the MagicJack requires a broadband Internet connection but that¹s where the similarities end. After plugging the MagicJack in, everything pretty much happens automatically. The device registers itself, you pick your own phone number and within a few moments, you are ready to begin making free local and long distance calls. Currently you can make unlimited long distance calls to anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. I say free because the first year of calling is actually included in MagicJack's purchase price of $39.95. After the first year, each subsequent year will cost you $19.95 which is really competitive comparing it to all of those other services I mentioned.

MagicJack isn't some stripped down calling service as it includes many of the dialing services found elsewhere. These include free Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Three Way Calling and Follow Me which is a multi-number forwarding service. You also get free Directory Assistance (411) and Enhanced 911 emergency calling. The MagicJack will also work with a headset or use the computer's built-in speaker and microphone. But using a telephone seems to give you the best possible clarity. You can also auto switch back and forth between the telephone and the headset. The MagicJack doesn't interfere with other computer functions. You can use your computer to do other tasks before, during and after making calls. And unlike some other computer-based products, your contact names, previously dialed numbers and other personal information is stored in the MagicJack itself and not on the computer. In addition to the added security of such an arrangement, this makes it possible to take just the MagicJack along with you and plug it into any other Internet-connected computer and immediately make your calls.

You do have to keep your computer on if you want the MagicJack available for incoming calls at all times. But then again, you have to keep your cell phone on all the time for the same reason so this really shouldn't be a big deal. At this time, not all area codes are supported in the selection of your free phone number but I am told that the number of areas are increasing. Just be aware that you may wind up with a MagicJack phone number with an area code that's really not in the city in which you reside. Currently only Windows is supported but the Macintosh version is in beta.

Given the costs associated to phone services these days, the MagicJack seems to offer the best bang for the buck. If you're not happy with your current phone service and its monthly bill, you should check out MagicJack with its free 30 day trial offer.

www.magicjack.com

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