MagicJack
We have all heard of VoIP products such as Skype or Vontage. Thanks to the Daily Giz Wiz podcast of Dick DeBartolo and Leo Deporte, we now have MagicJack.
MagicJack is a USB device that plugs into a computer and provides away to use an RJ11 plug to connect a household phone to the Internet.
You can get a free 30 day trial at the web site for Windows machines. From the videos on the site it is explained that the MagicJack sells for $39.95 and gives you one year of phone calls. The second year is $20. You don't have to do any configuration. Just plug it into the USB port and then plug in a phone. Then dial.
At some point you have to get a phone number so people can call you, but that part isn't explained in the videos. From the Q&A section called "Ask Dan" you can discover that a phone number for your area is included in the box when magicjack is sent. They also provide an optional USB extension cord. You also get free international calling to the US and Canada when traveling outside of those countries. There is no charge for incoming call in the US and Canada and you can make calls within those countries with only the annual fee. It also provide CallerID and comes with free voice mail.
The Mac version is in beta and it is somewhat of a work around to use it. Their customer service will not have anything to do with the Mac version. You are on your own. To upgrade it to work on a Mac, you must upgrade it on a Windows computer.
Also it is only compatible with Mac OS X 10.4.10 with Kernel 8.10.3 or higher. ( I don't even know what that last part means.) Of course, it must be on an Intel Mac. PowerPC ones need not apply. The full details are available at the web site below.
Of course you can subscribe to the Daily Giz Wiz via iTunes or you can listen to Leo & Dick discuss this product in show #486 here.
Find out more here.
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