MAGICJACK : 12-MONTHS LATER...

Well, it's been a full year. My subscription expired yesterday. I wrote the following back when I first received the "as seen on TV" gadget that looked pretty amazing.

• MagicJack...Does it work? when I first got it.



• Magic Jack : Does it work? after six months.

So what's the verdict?

I'm pleased to announce that it is GUILTY of working almost flawlessly!

But didn't he say "almost"?

Yes, he did. The few "bumps" I've had have been more due to the PC or Internet that the device. For the past 12 months, I have used my MagicJack on two different laptops, one with XP and the other with Vista as well as three different desktops also with different Vista/XP combinations. Here's a list of my findings:

• Regardless of the operating system, the "plug-and-play" feature seems to work just fine. When you plug the MagicJack for the first time, it self-installs the software and you're up and running.



• Transferring the 911 location (very important) is a snap, just go the the MagicJack website, log in, and change your location. I do hasten to add that I've not had to use the 911 feature, so it's not been tested in the field.



• Overall performance has been very good, for local and long distance. International calls are fine too. If you wish to make international calls, you do have to keep a balance on your account. Incoming international calls are not affected.



• Occasional "Max Headroom" like effects do happen, making the other person sound a little as though they're trying to rap. This primarily happens when the Internet connection is being heavily used by other programs or the bandwidth is low.



• I've used MagicJack on wired and wireless computers with comparable results.



• On the current computer, the MagicJack has been running continually for about 2 months with only 1 reboot (required for service pack updates).



• The telephone number is tied to the MagicJack, not the computer, so if you plug the MagicJack into a new PC, the number transfers with it.



• The control panel on the screen is very simple to use. You can see outgoing and incoming call history, use it to dial or save numbers to your phone book.



• The voicemail is so-so. It's usable, but not great, but it's there if you need it.

On the whole I am delighted. For $50 you get a dedicated telephone number (plus you pick your own area code). Just add handset and Internet. I have just renewed my subscription for 5 years ($60).

For the price, the ease of use and quality is incredible value. Wherever you go, you take the same number with you. It's perfect if you change locations like I do, or transfer from PC to laptop and back.

Personally, I am very hapy and will continue to use MagicJack and even get another...and no, I still don't own stock in the company :)

You can learn more at www.magicjack.com.