Magic Jack is a telephone service that uses a computer's high-speed internet connection. At a tremendous cost saving of paying only $20 per year, phone users are able to drop the monthly bill, forgo the annual cell phone contracts and enjoy popular phone features such as call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding and more.
Skeptical consumers prefer to try the service for 30 days before making a commitment. For those skeptical consumers, its best to play around with the Magic Jack's features prior to deciding to commit to the $20 annual phone bill.
Magic Jack Set Up
Setting up the Magic Jack is simple enough. The installation process involves plugging one side of the Magic Jack adapter (dongle) into an available USB port on any computer with high speed internet access. On the other side of the adapter, users can attach a standard telephone.
A telephone is not absolutely necessary for using Magic Jack. Some users opt to forgo the phone and speak directly through the computer using the computer speakers and microphone. The initial setup is easy but some users need a little help when it comes to accessing some of the more advanced features such as setting up voice mail and adjusting speaker sound levels.
Setting Up Magic Jack Voice Mail
There are actually two options for accessing voice mail. One method is to use the Magic Jack software that automatically starts when the adapter is plugged in. On the software interface there is a button called "VMAIL" Clicking the VMAIL option will automatically dial the number to access voice mail. Once the voice recording begins, press star "*" followed by the password. The first time voice mail is accessed, the password is 1234. To change the password "0" and then press "5" to access the password change option.
Another way to access voice mail is to dial the Magic Jack phone number from an outside line. Once the recording begins, follow the same steps as above by pressing "*" and then entering the password.
Configuring a Headset to Use with Magic Jack
Because users have the option to use a standard phone, computer speakers/microphone or headset, it's important to know how to configure each.
On the "Menu" option on the software, select "Switch to Headset" or click "Volume/Headset Controls." Both options invoke the same "Choose your device…" window.
Once Headset/other is selected, it's time to configure the "Speaker/earpiece," "Microphone" and "Ringing" options to match the appropriate device (these options are disabled when "telephone" is selected). Prior to closing the window make sure the speaker and microphone volume are adjusted to the proper levels and then click the "x" to close the window.
Try it for 30 Days
While using a Magic Jack line exclusively is not practical for heavy cell phone users who must have 24/7 telephone access, it is a nice substitute for the traditional land line. In difficult financial times, consumers have to think out of the box and try cost effective alternatives.
In an attempt to reign in the household budget, Magic Jack might be worth a try. Consumers who try it for 30 days and don't like it, they can return it. Magic Jack offers a 30 day money back guarantee.
Felicia A. Williams - Felicia A. Williams is a full time freelance writer with over 20 years of business writing experience.
