MagicJack Plus Phone Review: Is magicJack Plus Legit Or A Scam?

What Is The magicJack plus?

The magicJack Plus is another groundbreaking release brought to us by Vocaltec (formerly known as Ymax). In regards to its basic functions it is exactly the same as the original magic Jack. It works via VoIP and comes with unlimited local and long distance calling. Like its predecessor it can also be taken anywhere that you can access your computer and can be used to make calls from anywhere in the world back to the United States and Canada. Despite its seeming similarities there are several striking differences that make the magicJack plus a much better version of its younger sibling.

For those that don't already know the original magic Jack is a USB VoIP telephone device that hooks into a computer on one end and a regular telephone on the other end in order to provide its users with a home based telephone line. In regards to overall function it is exactly the same as a traditional landline with the only difference being its 'behind the scenes' technology. The magic Jack was and still is immensely popular with over 10 million units sold and has been coined by Ymax for its unlimited local and long distance calling at an absurdly low price of only $19.95 per year.

So What's Different About The MagicJack Plus?

The primary difference is that the magicJack plus does not require a computer in order to work. The original magic Jack was a USB dongle and had to be hooked up to a computer in order for it to work. With the magic Jack plus however you get a stand alone device that works by hooking directly into your routers Ethernet port (although it can also be used in exactly the same manner as the old magic Jack if you so choose). Initial rumors suggested that it would work via wi-fi but this feature didn't make it in the final design.

Besides the preceding chief difference magicJack plus has also received two key upgrades that are sure to eliminate most complaints regarding sound quality that some have become accustomed to with the old jack. These new features include HD Voice and Echo Control software which have both been vigorously developed by magic Jack due to their desire to provide not only the cheapest but also highest quality VoIP phone service in the world.

What Do These Differences Mean For Magic Jack?

These differences may not seem huge but they actually address the biggest concerns that consumers have had with the original magic Jack. The original magic Jack's reliance on a computer often made for tricky situations. One troublesome issue is that for the original magic Jack to ring through you had to have your computer on 24/7 otherwise it would simply forward to voicemail. Many people were unwilling to deal with this due to the potential for no telephone if there was an electrical outage, the strains it puts on ones computer, and the potential power wasted.

Another major point of contention for current and potential magic Jack users was its issues with sound quality and frequent echoing. Magic Jack knew that they had a good enough product (evidenced by its 10 million units sold) but that it could be better so they added the HD voice and echo control in order to further eliminate call quality problems. With these upgrades the company goes as far as to claim that their call quality is now better than that of all cell phones and maybe even better than landline quality.

How Much Does The New And Improved MagicJackPlus Cost?

The official magicJack Plus website says it will cost $69.95 for the device and one year of telephone service with all subsequent years of service costing just $29.95. This is a $10 price increase for yearly service but well worth it when you consider the upgrades you get with it. Consumers can also buy device insurance for $10 and port their number over for a one-time fee of $20.

Is The MagicJack Plus Easy To Install And Use?

It just might be the simplest VoIP telephone device ever, plug and play at its finest! All you have to do is hook it up to your computer to register an account and phone number and then into your telephone via the RJ-11 phone jack port on one end and into your router via Ethernet on the other end and you are ready to go all within 30 seconds.

The MagicJack Plus Bottom Line

The magicJack Plus is an absolutely amazing product at a totally ridiculous price. We said before that we thought the original magic Jack was an awesome product even with its flaws and the new magicJack plus is ridiculous when you consider that its upgrades have addressed nearly every issue that its users previously had. At a price of only $69.95 for the device and a year of service with renewals costing only $29.95 everybody that has a home phone should at last give the magicJack plus a try. For more info read all of the user reviews and comments below and you should get a feel for the quality of the device.

71 comments:

  1. Can we use a fax line with this phone?

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  2. Does the MJPlus have an RJ-45 Ethernet port (such as the NetTalk Duo does) or does it require a wi-fi connection?

    I would prefer to have it hard wired for home use, but even the wireless option beats plugging the thing into the USB port and leaving the PC on 24/7

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  3. Yes, it has an RJ-45

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  4. How much is Majic Jax cost to call from California to Montreal, Canada? and how is it billed?

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  5. What is a RJ-45

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  6. RJ-45 is the type of plug all land phones use to connect to the wall. (the little plastic terminal at the end of the tel. wire, transparent that you have to push to insert.

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  7. I am looking forward to the magic jack plus.....I hope it eliminates the problem of internet fax transmissions....if it does then there is truly no reason to keep paying the phone company.....and the evil parasite state government who extorts my phone service with such outrageous taxes....which are almost the same cost as the phone service itself without the taxes....I say good riddence to the state taxes....they are nothing more than a bunch of parasites and leeches....its time to put them out of business....

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  8. Does anyone have any idea when the MJPlus is actually going to be available? We've all heard "In a few months", "In a few weeks", "Early July". Can someone be honest and tell us the truth?

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  9. RJ-45 is the Ethernet Connector, RJ-11 is the Phone Line Connector.

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  10. From the Magic Jack website on 9-9-2011 "magicJack PLUS costs $69.95 plus shipping and handling."

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  11. I had been using magic jack for years now and never had any major problem. It is a fantastic product as far as I am concerned and you can't beat the price. I only have the original MJ but as soon as the MJ Plus is out, I am going to get that too. My only question is - can I use my existing number? Please answer if you know.

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  12. I got 2 Magicjacks Plus a week ago for $ 69.95 @ I managed to transfer my house phone number ( AT&T) to MJ+ successfully in 48 hs. It works great! I even tested sending a fax with it and it went through with no problem. The only problem I have is my answering machine does not activate when it rings and I like to use it for call screening. I'm going to check a different one. I'll keep you posted.

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  13. I got my magicJack Plus today and I have to admit it is far better than its predecessor. I have it plugged into the wall and connected to the router and am placing and receiving calls with no problem. I also sent faxes without any issues. A great product for someone who is spending too much on a home phone.

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  14. Even if you dont have a home phone, can you still use this?

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  15. Very pleased with the system - no problems with it.

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  16. I have the original Magic Jack and absolutely LOVE it..I will definately buy the new Magic Jack Plus, but will I have to pay the additional charge to switch over my # since I am already a Magic Jack customer? I stand by the product 100% and laugh at family and friends while they still pay $100 or so monthly.

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  17. I have the original magic jack and had to give up my landline phone # at that time. My landline phone # has not be assigned to a new user. Is there a way of getting that phone # back? Thank you.

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  18. I'm interested in getting this MJ+. I wanted to cancel my existing phone company. My question is, can i still connect & use my fax machine to received incoming & sent outgoing fax with the MJ+ if i cancel my current phone provider?

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  19. Do you hear a dial tone when you lift the phone's receiver? My home security system requires a dial tone to place the call to the alarm company.
    Also, it sounds like each phone needs its own Magic Jack? Can I plug in to the magic Jack Plus a wireless home system?
    Thanks

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  20. Does the MJ plus offer voice mail?

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  21. I've had MajicJack for over a year with no problems except the inconvenience of having to plug it into my pc. With the new MajicJack Plus I will no longer have to use my pc to make calls using MajicJack. MajicJack Plus will save me hundreds of dollars a year now since I'll be using it instead of AT&T. I'll be able to keep my present phone number using MJ Plus for a small fee. I love the fact I can take MJ Plus on the road with me when I travel. A great deal!

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  22. Hello;
    I am seriously considering Magic Jack Plus for my home. At home I have a combination cordless phone with answering machine. Will the answering machine pick up with MJP or not?
    Thank you.

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  23. What is a "router's ethernet port" and how do I know if I have one? I have original MJ now. Live in my RV full time, can have a regular landline but quit that when I got MJ original. Is the "router's ethernet port" part of my computer? Then one would need a computer for the MJ Plus it seems. If I have a "router's ethernet port" I don't have a phone number and want to keep my MJ original (I don't leave computer on 24/7 and I also have wi-fi in my RV park). I use a TracFone next to my bed for emergencies.

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  24. Can I make all my existing phones in the house, using the existing wires, run off of Magic Jack Plus?

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  25. Any comments about the new Magic Jack Plus?

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  26. With this Magic Jack does the callers phone number show up?
    An acquaintance of mine told me he got it a few weeks ago, but it didn't dawn on me to ask if caller I.D shows up on the phone

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  27. RJ-45 is a network cable, RJ-11 id a phone line. The magic jack plus has both. connect the RJ-45 to your router, and connect RJ-11 to the phone, than plug the usb port into a wall adapter.

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  28. So I am an existing magicjack user. Are there any discounts for upgrading to the magicjack plus for existing users?

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  29. I've used the old magic jack for 2 years with little or no problems other than the need for a pc.. All you need to do is run it to any phone jack in the house make sure the box outside is disconnected from the incoming phone line and you have hole house service.. Including your fax it's that easy. I wonder if there is a discount for users who upgrade?

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  30. I am very much interested in MJPluss I do make a lot of international calls. Can someone tell me what my bill would look like? My current VOIP service offers free landline calls world wide, (charges cell calls) and what about fax uses.

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  31. We've owned the original MJ for years without any problems and love it.
    I'd like to convert my AT&T land line to MJ+ along with my AT&T number. My concern is will my wired in security system work with MJ+ to call police etc. if emergency or break-in happens??? Please post an answer if you've tried it....Thanks!

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  32. What kind of internet connection do I need? I live in the sticks and can only receive 3G or satelite internet services.

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  33. I connect to the internet through a wireless connection form my landlord upstairs. Can I still use MJPlus, or do I still have to plug into my computer like I do with MJ now?

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  34. I've had an original MJ for 2 yrs now, I don't really mind that it required the computer to be on, as I don't shutdown that system anyways, unless needed.. heh. My 2 concerns are (1)MJ and our Verizon cell phones don't like each other, in-out doesn't matter, one is unable to call the other, and (2)MJ abd my kids doctor's office, trying to call them on the MJ line was always a busy tone, and they couldn't call us.. odd

    If this MJ Plus solves those issues AND works with fax, that would be great. I personally don't use fax anymore (the advent of pdf and email), but the wife still uses it for some of her stuff.

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  35. Does anyone know if MJ plus will display caller ID with call waiting?

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  36. can I surf the internet while making a phone call with MajicJack?

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  37. I have the first magic jack that came out it is possible to upgrade this to magic jack plus and keep my own number.

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  38. I am purchasing this for my daughter who lives in another state, she lives with someone who has their own telephone service(not sure what that is)so, after she receives this how does she get her OWN telephone number? Does it come with it in the packaging? Please answer ASAP as I want to send this out today.
    Thank you,
    Kelly Nicholson

    Here is my e-mail address if you need it to contact me back:
    kellykelley1964@yahoo.com

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  39. I Have used the Majicjack (original) and found it to be very convenient and easy to use. worth every penny!

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  40. What Magic Jack should do for its third generation version is to include "Blue Tooth" so that you can peer with your cell phone and make calls out or receive calls in. Also, need to add PoE (Power over Ethernet) this way you can drop the charger and receiver power from your PoE switch to the magic jack on board Ethernet port. Last is to add wifi so you can connect the magic jack from anywhere in your house if an Ethernet connection is not available in a bed room or bath room.

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  41. I have the original magic jack and had to give up my landline phone # at that time. My landline phone # has not be assigned to a new user. Is there a way of getting that phone # back? Thank you

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  42. I see A LOT of questions and very few answers so even though I have had the old MJ for a couple of years, I'm concerned about all these unanswered questions. I undestand the RJ-45 is a network cable, RJ-11 id a phone line but I don't understand the usb port into a wall adapter. What is a wall adapter?

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  43. I have had MJ for over 3 years and for the most part am happy with it. Customer service sucks, because you have to be on-line to use it. If you can`t get on-line, NO customer service because there is NO phone # to call. And If you have DSL, you must still have a "dry loop" and pay the phone company for thier service. Over all you can`t beat the price, WAY cheaper than AT&T. So I will put up with the other issues, for cheap phone service. Hope this answers some question`s.

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  44. For those who have a home alarm system you dont need a land line anymore (DSL) I spoke with my alarm company and they (all alarm companies) have a device they can install called a GSM Digital Cell Communicator which eliminate a land line. My alarm company charges a one time fee of $175.00 dollars to install in your home but once I treaten to drop them now its being installed free

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  45. I just have my Magic Jack Plus and it works great. MJ plus has 3 ports: one USB port, one ethernet in, one phone line out. I just plug the USB port to the included AC adapter and plug them to an AC power source, connect the ethernet port to my internet router, and connect the phone port to my house's phone line (after disconnect the house phone line from the land line at the outside phone box). It works exactly like my land phone and I can not tell any difference. I asked to transfer my original land phone number to Magic Jack and it is done in two days, and they automatically cancelled my land phone account afterward. Magic Jack includes voice mail. After phone rings 4 times, the voice mail asks to leave massage. Afterward the sound file of the massage is emailed to me. Everyone has internet connection should try it. Its annual cost is less than my land phone's monthly bill, and I got unlimited long distance phone call's within US and Canada.

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  46. I am currently a magicjack customer. I have ordered the magicjack plus. I have a few questions regarding the product.
    1. Am I going to get a new phone number?
    2. Does this mean that I can give my old magicjack to another family member to use?
    3. Can I use the MJ plus as a additional phone in the house by just plugging it into a cable outlet?

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  47. Sounds too good to be true? Well, surprisingly, it wasn't. I bought two MJplus - one for my home, one for my son's apartment. Hookup was a breeze. Paid the extra $20/line to have my current numbers xferred from time warner to MJ. and it worked fine (just took a few days). Sound quality is as good as my previous service, and the price dropped by phone bill from nearly $35/month per phone to less than $20/year per phone. Now, the downside: you cannot disable the MJ voicemail. You cannot adjust how many rings before MJ voicemail picks up the call (4 rings). MJ tells you to program your answering machine to pick up at 3 rings if you want to use your own answering system. The problem is that there are no answering system phone that can be programmed to answer after 3 rings - and I think the MJ company knows this. Not sure why they want to force users to use MJ voicemail; but that is clearly their intent. They could easily set their switch to pick up after 5 rings so that it would be easier for users to use the standard 4 ring option that comes with all home answering systems. Also, the caller ID shows numbers, but no names. One surprisingly nice feature is that the MJ voicemail converts all voicemail messages into a wave file and emails them to your email account on record.

    All in all - I'm pleased with the service and will gladly accept the few downsides for the HUGE cost savings

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  48. I can answer a few of the unanswered questions here. Yes, you can surf the net and talk on MJ at the same time. MJ will not work with dial-up internet service. I have basic cable internet and MJ works great. You don't receive ANY bills for calls you make, you just pay the yearly fee. If you want to make international calls, you have to pay an additional yearly fee (I don't know how much). Caller-ID works for numbers that you have programmed into your MJ phone directory, which is always open on your desktop. Other phone numbers may just show the number, and others might say unknown. The only negative with MJ is that there is a small local phone company here that services the rural areas in the county, and they do not allow MJ calls to go through... so I have to use my cell phone to call those numbers. There are many other small phone companies like this around the country that don't allow MJ calls to go through to their customers, and vice versa.

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  49. have a mj for years -great stuff question
    do you need one for each telephone ? we have 6 phones -same # -how many mj's are needed ?

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  50. Hey guy above, every phone in your house does not require another MJ. You can plug your wireless phone base in, and use the additional phones to access the MJ.

    Also, for the other guy's question to call Canada, there is no charge. It is part of the yearly bill. MJ works the same way as your email does. The data signal moves from the closest local server to the next closest local server, until it reaches it's destination. It just happens so fast we think that it is a straight through connect, which it is not. So, every call basically becomes a local call, which we all know, have no charge associated with them...

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  51. To answer the question about the wall adapter, its used to supply power to the magic jack. The ethernet cable from your router or switch to the magic jack, does not supply any power. (When plugged into a PC, the USB port supplies the power to it)

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  52. The RJ-45 plugs from the MJ+ to your router
    The RJ11 plugs from your landline phone to the MJ+

    To answer the people asking what a router is, firstly if you are asking you probably do not have one, second it is for a wireless connection in your home and/or additional, typically 4 total, wired RJ-45 connections total. As to the question of "What is a wall adapter?" it is basically an AC adapter or power supply for the MJ+ device. It plugs into your AC outlet and the MJ+ plugs into it for power. As an alternative you can plug it into your pc USB port like the MJ original if you are traveling.

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  53. Been using the regular MJ for a few years and found the quality of the voice has improved over time. Only issue I've had with the service is a problem with dialing Area Code 434 landline phones that surfaced back in Oct 11. Don't know whether the problem is an MJ or Verizon but until they fix this situation will not move to the new device. Only US area code I now have problems dialing and the overseas connections (Germany and Korea) work great and the costs are minimal.

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  54. I received the magic jack plus but how do I get a Canadian phone number - we live in Ontario Canada?

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  55. What about caller ID? Can any phone in the house accept calls? and what about messages. do I have to get a answering machine? I am serious about getting rid of my digital phone service because of the outragous fees.

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  56. My land line is also connected to my router (which came from Verizon) If I were to install a magic jack plus for my phones, what will happen to my internet connection. I know I would have to keep Verizon's internet service but I would not be able to disconnect my lines as it will cut off my interent. Would I need more than 1 magic jack plus to have all phones working?

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  57. i have magic jack i love it had it for 3 years never had any problems, iam in canada, now iam waiting to receive my magic jack plus.

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  58. Can I test drive magic jack for 30 days and then port my current number over to it or do I have to do it at install?
    Can I use my old magic number on the MJ+?

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  59. I have used MJ for over three years and it is FANTASTIC since I travel frequently to Colombia. I just ordered the MJ+ today and have some questions:
    Last year I upgraded my MJ number for 5 years which means I can still use that number 4 more years. When I get my new MJ+ will I get another phone number?
    How do I get a VANITY NUMBER assigned?
    Thanks a million

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  60. Will the MJ+ work with Verizon Mobile Broadband received through USB modum?

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  61. Thank all of you for spending so much time submitting so many questions and those of you giving outstanding answers!! I read the posts and understand a lot now. I never bought the Orig. MJ because my friend bought one & it did not work in my area. I only have one question: I have HughesNet, my service is really sad in Louisiana(Sat. reception is affected by rain and clouds) & everyone knows La. is the SWAMPS. It rains all the time, so my service seems to be off more than on!! Knowing this, will the MJ+ work with HughesNet considering it's not raining?? I have a Belkin N600 Router, will the MJ+ work??
    If anyone can get the service for only 30 bucks a year?? That's unreal! Just the taxes for one month of AT&T service can cost close to that!!(If not more)
    I understand theres some glitches that need improvement, but overall it sounds to good to be true!!

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  62. I got my magicJack PLus for half price=$34.95+$7.95 S&H a few months ago. I like it better than the original device because I don't have to have the PC on in order to make/receive phone calls, sound quality is somewhat better too but not always good and the calls can be suddenly disconnected. Sometimes I can talk for quite long time, sometimes I have to redial every few minutes. Does anyone have this problem/solution? Please share! Thanks very much.

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  63. I have had the original MJ for several years and for the most part very satisfied with it. The only problems I have had with it are the stutering on the line when you use the computer at the same time as the phone line. I have mine plugged into the house phone jack and it runs all the phones in the house which is great. I just ordered the MJ+ this morning and hope it works the same with all my phones with even better call quality. I dumped my ATT service and saved over 60 bucks a month and have not regretted it one bit. I am really looking forward the MJ+ and being able to not have it dependent on my computer being on all the time. Also with the latest promotion, being able to keep my old MJ phone number free and also the extra service years I paid for is fantastic.

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  64. we cancelled our land line and just use cellphones and live in rural area so the only high speed internet comes from a stick. Can we still use MJ+?

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  65. If you don't need a computer, why does it say plug into your ethernet?

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  66. I would like to know if I can keep my verizon number want to purchase mj+ badly to economize but need to carry number over.

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  67. Hello,
    I purchased my magicjack plus in August 2012. I have been using it for over 1 month and cannot say enough good things about it. Not only is it cheaper than any other service, the voice mail options are truly incredible. I am the guinea pig of my family for this product and many are ready to jump on board seeing the success I am having paying on average $2 a month for a phone. I live in Niagara Falls Canada and give magicjackplus two big thumbs up.
    Thank you

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  68. I was checking into MJ for my mom cause she doesnt have a computer but it appears that you have to have internet service. Who has internet service and doesnt have a computer? They should specify that you still have to have an internet connection if thats the way it works. By saying you dont need a computer and that anyone can use it and its only $30 a year is decieving cause you have to pay for internet also. Someone please tell me if this is correct or if im misunderstanding how it works. Thanks.

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  69. magicjack plus and regular magicjack both work fine i have had magicjack plus for almost a year, no prblems at all works good. the only problem i had was my phonecord was to long which caused a lot of problems. for a couple days, till i changed it to a smaller cord, nowit works great, another thing they say you don't need a computer, well yes you do need a computer you need a router and the internet thats where there misleading people other wise its a good product, and it has paid off for me

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  70. Does anyone know if you can have more than one Magic Jack running on the same Internet connection? I have a wireless router and I am currently sharing my Wi-Fi with my in-laws who live next door. I've had the Magic Jack Plus for almost 7 months now, and I absolutely love it. My in laws have shown an interest in the service but, I'm not sure what it will do to my internet connection to have two Magic Jacks running at the same time while also having three computers running on the same network.

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  71. Does anybody using an MJ have Century Link for phone service? I'm wondering if the company allows MJ calls in or out on its lines.

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