July 5, 2011 in Magic Jack, Magic Jack Plus, MagicJack Plus by admin

Our magicJack Plus Review

What is it?

It is a small rectangular shaped device that is used to connect to a VoIP network. With it users are able to get unlimited local and long distance calling to anywhere in the United States or Canada for just $29.95 per year and works in two different ways. It can either be hooked up via an Ethernet port on your router/modem or by way of a computers USB port (like the old device). It comes with all of the features that you are use to getting with a traditional landline phone company including voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, 3-way calling, caller ID, and much more. Included with your purchase will be the magicJack Plus device,  USB cable, AC power adapter, Ethernet cable, and the owner’s manual/instructions.

How much does it cost?

If you want to buy it it comes at a price of $69.95 for the device and the first year of service. All future years of service cost just $29.95 each. The price includes unlimited local and long distance calling to the United States and Canada with the ability to make international calls for an additional per minute cost. If you are interested in getting additional years of service with your initial purchase of the device you can get them at a pretty good discount. When going through the setup process you can also purchase an extra five years of service for $99.95, a significant discount off the regular yearly price. The new plus also brings the ability to port your current phone number for a one-time fee of $19.95. Finally, when buying the device and also when registering it users have the option of purchasing device replacement insurance for an extra $10.

How do you setup the device?

Our reviews showed that the new device is extremely easy to setup and can be up and running within just a couple of minutes. When you first receive the device you will need to hook it up to your computer via its USB port. This needs to be done so that you can go through the steps to register for an account and get your phone number. Once hooked up to your computer all you have to do is follow the onscreen prompts and you’ll be ready to go in no time.  Here you can either choose a vanity number for $10 or pick from available numbers that are listed for $3.  Once setup you can either continue using it on your computer or you can now take the device and hook it directly into your modem or routers Ethernet port. The only step left at this point is hooking the other end of the device up to your telephone and you’ll be all all ready to go.

Can I port my current phone number?

Yes. Most people can port their current phone number for a fee of $19.99. Current users of the original one  can also transfer their number to the latest version for free. In order to do this all you have to do is purchase the new device and during setup select “add to existing account” when prompted.

How well does the it work?

Our tests show that it works incredibly well. When testing its call quality it has been excellent and a big improvement over the original magic Jack. This is in part due to the new echo control and HD voice features along with no need for a computer. Without involving a computer in the process their phone service has been greatly simplified and outside factors related to each persons computer performance have been totally eliminated. This alone has been the biggest factor in improving freeze ups, dropped called, and static.

Can I Upgrade From the old device to the new one?

If you have the original you will need to purchase the Plus and during registration of the device you will need to select that you already have an account. In doing this you will have the option to  transfer your old number over to your new device. This upgrade however does not include a transfer of subscription. Your new device comes with a full year of service after which you will have to renew.

What’s the final word on this product?

The magicJack Plus provides consumers with one of the cheapest options for home phone service and does this while allowing users to enjoy all of the features and benefits that come with more expensive traditional landline service. It is super easy to setup, super easy to use, and its call quality rivals that of all other service providers all while allowing users unlimited minutes and free long distance for just $29.95 per year. Of course you can also take this “home phone” with you wherever you go since it can be used via a USB port as well. Considering it’s price, quality, and easy of use you can’t go wrong with it. The old one may have had a few minor issues and all of them have been tackled with the release of the new device.

Wondering minds can only imagine what’s next for magicJack. Perhaps a totally wireless device that works via Wi-Fi? Or maybe a 4G capable device that can also bring cheap Internet service to its users?