Magic Jack

Magic Jack MAC Beta Installation

Magic Jack Internet Phone has now released a beta trial for use with Intel Mac computers.  However, according to the official magicJack website, neither customer nor technical support is yet available for mac installations, so proceed at your own risk.  This MAC beta version is only compatible with Intel based Macs with OS (operating systems) higher than 10.4.11 and higher.  You can have a 10.4.10 OS, but it must have kernal 8.10.3 or higher.  To find which OS and Kernal version you have, follow this path on your Mac computer:

Apple Icon > About This Mac > More Info > Software

It boggles the mind why magicJack would release new software to use their product without providing any support for it at all. But, if you’re the adventurous type and don’t mind blowing 40 bucks, give it a try! They will probably build their support and FAQ around solving the real problems customers have with the Mac beta.  Maybe they’ll have a special web page for feedback on this release?  You will need to have your Magic Jack device plugged into a Windows PC to download the Mac upgrade.  Once that is downloaded, then you can plug your MagicJack into your Mac computer.  To download the Magic Jack Mac Beta from the offical website, go here: 

http://www.magicjack.com/4/mac.asp

As with a PC, you will need to leave your computer on to make and receive phone calls through your magicJack. Give it a good try-out, at least a few months before dumping your regular land line phone service.  You do need to keep another phone service to make sure you always have a viable 911 service in case of emergencies. 

If you have used the Magic Jack Mac Beta successfully or even unsuccessfully, please give us some idea of your experience with it in the Comments below.

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Magic Jack Phone Service

Magic Jack Internet Phone is a VOIP phone service which allows you to make free local and long distance calls within the United States and Canada.  You can also use Magic Jack phone service in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  It consists of a device that is plugged into the computer’s USB port and software that creates the ability to transmit voice over your high speed internet connection.  Your computer must be on to use Magic Jack, although you will still receive voice mail. Magic Jack lets you use a standard telephone, including cordless telephones. Nothing special to buy, unless you want to.  You may also use a headset or your computer’s built in microphone and speakers, which would be easier to use when on the road instead of a bulky phone.

When traveling internationally, you may take your Magic Jack with you and call anywhere in the United States or Canada for free while you are away from home.  Cheaper to use than Skype or Vonage, Magic Jack costs only $39.95 for the first year, and $19.95 each year after that.  Multi-year plans are available and save you some money too.  You might want to invest in a 5 year plan. Magic Jack is so cheap and works so well, I wouldn’t be surprised if the cost didn’t raise after a while. Magic Jack costs more the first year because you are also paying for the USB device.

Magic Jack can save you money because you can ditch your regular phone service, or if you decide to keep your old phone company, it gives you a second line and free long distance calling.  Well worth the $20 a year it costs.

In addition to Voice Mail, Magic Jack also provides Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, 3-Way Calling and free Directory Assistance…oh, and a free phone number.

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Magic Jack Phone

Magic Jack is not a phone, it is a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone service. VOIP is also referred to as IP telephony, Internet telephony, voice over broadband, broadband telephony, and broadband phone. When you buy the service, you receive a special USB device to plug into a USB port on your computer that optimizes voice transmission through the internet. When first plugged in, it will download software so that your computer is ready for you to start making free local and long distance calls using your high-speed internet connection. You must have DSL, broadband, cable internet, wirelss, WiMax or FIOS to use Magic Jack, as it is not configured to work with dial-up internet connections.

The great thing about Magic Jack Internet Phone is that you can use any regular land-line phone for making your calls. No worries about buying headsets or wondering if your computer sound is good enough. The sound on my computer totally sucks, I bought a cheap laptop when my old computer died on me suddenly and I needed a new computer NOW. So if I have good sound quality on my computer, you should have it on yours also. Your computer is just a conduit for the phone service line.

Any landline phone will do as long as it is a single-line phone. You may use a cordless telephone or one with a cord. Currently, I use a phone with an answering machine but I don’t need to use the answering machine part as the free voice mail you get with Magic Jack works very well. It will even send you an email when you have a new voice mail message. But I did check and if you prefer to use a phone with an answering machine, you may do so. A phone with a caller ID display will also work with your Magic Jack service.

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