Cell Phone Companies / Charges / Prices

[KenyaMK]

After reading many reviews on Magic Jack, I opted for Ooma. So far I am thrilled. It has replaced my Vonage and it works even if the computer is turned off.

$199 for the box but then no bills after that EVER.

Dawn

[BRIANNE161]

We have had magic jack for almost a year and are going to renew it for at least one more year. It's really great for the price. I would not recomend it for a business but it's good for casual home use.

[klipin4deals]

My dh and I were recently talking about getting Magic Jack. It seems almost too good to be true. I have been reading a lot of reviews on the internet. I am concerned about all the complaints-- dropped calls, static, echos, long pauses. I am very concerned about the complaints of computer viruses and the magic jack reeking havoc on their computer. A lot of people seemed to have trouble getting their money back too.
I did read a few comments that were positive. These people all had very good internet connections and no computer problems at all.
For us, I have decided to do away with my land line as soon as my current cell phone contract is up (which is very soon!!). I will get a new (and much cheaper) cell plan and use only my cell phone. No one calls me on my land line any way, even when I am home.

[ca2003]

We have a magic jack that we solely use for calling. We don't have another home line or cell phones and haven't had any problems with it. I think the only downfall is you have to dial the area code even on local calls, but for $20/year vs. $40/month here, I'll deal with it. It comes with free voicemail and caller ID, you can't beat it. I haven't had any problems with dropped calls or anything like that. You just enter your address when you sign up and it sets it for 911 if you ever have an emergency.

I can't remember the last time I didn't have to dial the area code first where I live, probably over 10 years ago, lol.

My dh and I were recently talking about getting Magic Jack. It seems almost too good to be true. I have been reading a lot of reviews on the internet. I am concerned about all the complaints-- dropped calls, static, echos, long pauses. I am very concerned about the complaints of computer viruses and the magic jack reeking havoc on their computer. A lot of people seemed to have trouble getting their money back too.
I did read a few comments that were positive. These people all had very good internet connections and no computer problems at all.
For us, I have decided to do away with my land line as soon as my current cell phone contract is up (which is very soon!!). I will get a new (and much cheaper) cell plan and use only my cell phone. No one calls me on my land line any way, even when I am home.

I had never heard of any computer viruses. Thankfully we haven't gotten any.

[indymoney]

I've been using MagicJack for over a year now. We have an old laptop at home. So, the phone will be connected to it all the time. Outside it looks like its a normal home phone. I never felt any breaks or long pauses while speaking.

Checking voicemail is easy. In the voicemail email they send, you can see a download file. Just download it and hear the voicemail you've got. By the way, I use my Google Voice number as a home phone number. I connect it with my MagicJack. So, now i can read my voicemails instead of hearing it.

Moreover, You can call Canada for FREE.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with MagicJack service. I think its only $59.99 for 4 years. Worth the money.

[ritaillinois]

Admin. if this is in the wrong forum, please move to the correct one.

I have been looking for a cell that would also connect me to the internet.....but on the cheap. The idea of paying $70.00+ doesn't appeal to me at all.
Walmart launched Simply Talk no contract service in Jan. 09. I checked it out and found I can have unlimited talk/text/web browsing for $45.00/mo or just the unlimited talk plan for $30.00/mo. Add taxes, etc. for your area.
Oh...you may also have to purchase their phone. Check the web and see if you have a compatible cell.
You can also transfer your cell number.

The connection here at my home is wonderful. I formerly had AT&T and connecting was always "iffy".

If you seldom use your cell, then a pay as you go minute deal is probably best, but if you have been looking for talk/text/web in a phone, this could be the way to go.

Rita

[cjsgirl]

Personally I like Boost better, it's about the same cost. Straight Talk is Trac Phone via an exclusivity contract with Walmart, they are on the Verizon Network, my biggest gripe is you can't pay anywhere but Walmart or online, Boost minutes (or the $50 per month "re-boost") are available all over the place. FWIW for anyone interested Boost is on the Sprint network I know some networks work better for people then others due to geographics, so it's good to know what networks which prepaid carriers use.

[ioncewasamjskeptic]

OK, we have had MJ for going on 2 yrs(nov.), last month, I WAS SOOO DONE W/it! LOL. worked ok 1st yr after figuring out it was best if I restarted it daily. Last Nov. we renwed it for a yr. and all of a sudden, no one time free # change to get local.....Im in Puget Sound and had a Portland a/c.. And then come spring, We could not get A call in, everyone went to vm or got mj customer not avail.... If you had a designated PC just for it, it would be worth it, but WE will Never use it as long as 1 pc only! sooo therefore, we have it paid thru Nov. and reconnected a landline:-I NOW if I could only change my user name<wayyy beyond skeptic now!~> LOL Lorrie