Magic Jack

[desdawg]

I keep seeing advertisements for this VOIP device. I am not geeky enough to know my way around these types of things. It plugs into a USB port on the computer and a regular phone plugs into the device. I just wondered if anyone had any experience with this kind of calling? If it really works it could be a good option for phone service in an area that doesn't have conventional service. It is supposed to be $39.95 for the device and a year of calls with additional years at $19.95 according to the ads I have seen.
http://www.magicjack.com/1/index.asp

[muldoon]

I would stay away from it.  Its not a network device, its a software device with a hardware addon.  It attaches to your computer and requires software to be installed.  It only works when your pc is turned on.  It loads adware and spam into your PC.  The company also has some bad images problems cropping up.  Read the reviews here.  Some people seem happy, but to many with bad problems for my comfort level. 
http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/voip/magicjack-new-voip-player-launches.asp

If your looking to save some money by going with voip, I would start with http://www.myvoipprovider.com/ or something similar and just compare whats out there. 

[desdawg]

Thanks muldoon, that is why I asked. If something sounds too good to be true it usually is. I suspect if someone is working on this technology it will come around someday. Meanwhile I will check out the other options that have proven track records. All computers have USB ports and my Verizon Internet device plugs into my USB and works wherever I have sufficient Verizon signal strength so I had to give this a maybe. For all I know none of them would be compatable with my wireless internet.
As stated in your second link:
Over the past five years it has become increasingly difficult to keep an overview of all the worldwide operating VoIP services or Broadband phone providers. New VoIP / Broadband phone VoIP services are launching almost on a weekly basis and it has become almost impossible to compare PC to Phone and Broadband Phone service providers without weeks and weeks of time consuming research.
Each VoIP provider proclaims to have the best service and the cheapest local, long distance or  international VoIP phone rates, but the differences are still substantial (up to 1000%), although in most cases the VoIP services are cheaper than most traditional telephone companies (PSTN). Choosing the right Voice over IP service for your specific need and calling pattern, especially if you make regular international calls can save you a small fortune every month
Verizon most likely wouldn't make it possible for anyone to make free or nearly free phone calls. If this combo ever comes around it would make a great backwoods package. Even if I have to carry my laptop to a hilltop to get a signal of sufficient strength. There is way too much I don't know and I am not really good at patiently exploring all of the options.

[peternap]

Ain't technology great

It rarely goes in a straight line. We're seeing a trend toward an eventual melding of TV, phone and internet service, giving a true wireless package.

What could be wrong with that? Brain damage from constant use, starvation because of Bee decline, allergic reactions to WiFi , lack of bandwidth and hundreds of other reasons why the technology turns left or right.

Everyone has their own guess but mine is we will all be using satellite uplinks instead of towers.

[Homegrown Tomatoes]

We had VOIP in Wisconsin through AT&T call vantage.  It was good service, cheap and dependable.  No complaints from me, since the only calls I even make would be long distance under any other program.  We had cable internet, and when a neighbor's tree fell in the middle of the night, it took out our cable, and we were without phone, internet or TV for about a week (not that we missed the TV, but phone and internet were sorely missed as I was in India and couldn't reach anyone at home when I would try to call!)

[glenn kangiser]

Don't forget services such as Skype and Yahoo messenger, etc.  Free and video if you want it to.  I talk to Jonesy in Australia ever month or so on it.  Works fine.

[desdawg]

Currently I use my cell phone for most "local" long distance. Phoenix is a long distance call on the land line (60 miles away) On the cell phone it is just minutes used same as calling across the street. As long as I can get a signal it is probably as good as it is going to get for awhile.