Another cheap way to make calls

[wxman]

Was looking at the following site. Just a small USB device that attaches to your computer, and then attach a phone to the device. Not very big at all. Nice thing is that one can get a US number and Unlimited calls in the US and to Canada for $39 a year. It says one can use anywhere in the world. So it should be possible to give this small device to your fiancee, or your wife's family in the FSU, and they hook it up to a high speed internet connection. Since it would have a US number they could make unlimited calls to you and you to them for only $39 a year. A lot cheaper than anything else. Just click on the FAQ on the bottom as the front web page doesn't explain it well.

http://www.magicjack.com/1/index.asp

[ScottinCrimea]

I would love to have someone try this out and see how it works as far as sending it to the FSU and having them call from there.

[krimster]

If the recipient of your conversation has an internet connection and PC you might as well go ahead and use Skype which is completely free.  My wife uses this to talk to several of her family members in Ukraine, the voice quality is amazingly good.  If your friend doesn't have a PC/internet connection but has easy access to an internet cafe this would be a viable and cost effective alternative to all the phone card plans.

[wxman]

If the magicjack works as it says, a person in the FSU, with a US number, could call any phone in the US, mobile or landline, and the only fee is $39 for the first year, and then it's only $20 a year after the first year.

SKYPE is great for free calls, pc to pc, but magicjack basically allows the person in the US to not have to be near a computer. No other internet phone provider can come close to that. Using SKYPE to call a phone in the FSU is pretty pricey. With the person in the FSU having a US number, it would be virtually free calling them from my phone.  I'm curious how magicjack can do this. Seems almost too good to be true.

[krimster]

wxman,
  magicjack requires a computer and broadband connection, same as Skype, difference is you have to buy something from them while Skype is free.  Magicjack requires you to plug in a phone with their magicjack "dongle".  I suspect phones in the FSU will not be compatible.  Otherwise the concept is similar, Skype uses a headset which gives superior results.  If the person already has a PC and a cable internet, Skype is free and has excellent voice quality, superior to any phone, how do you beat that?
My wife uses it every week, you can even get a webcam and send great quality live pictures!

[Taz]

I used MagicJack when I was in Ukraine recently. It worked great for me there. One thing I like about MagicJack is I can use a normal phone with it. At home I have my cordless phone connected to it. It is far cheaper to use MJ than if you price skype out and skype in.

Sype to skype isn't a bad way to go and will be the absolute cheapest. I bought MJ because there is no real computer literacy needed. Just plug it in and it works. Great for a mother in law or some other person not real computer literate. Both have their pluses and I used skype for a long time but I bought and extra MJ for my travel usage and left my MJ for my woman once she gets home internet setup. She isn't very proficient so it will be easier for her than skype to use.