BajaNomad

magic jack plus

huesos - 9-25-2013 at 01:17 PM

Before moving to Baja, is it advisable to buy magic jack plus and set up the account in the US?

David K - 9-25-2013 at 01:21 PM

That would give you a U.S. phone number, no matter where the phone was connected to the Internet.

Loretana - 9-25-2013 at 01:32 PM

Yes. The location in the US that will make the most calls to you (and vice versa)
is the area code you probably want.
I bought a Magic Jack a few years ago and it sure is handy in our Loreto home.
As long as your Telmex connection is up and running, you're in business.

bajaguy - 9-25-2013 at 02:05 PM

You can "transport" your home number to the MagicJack so no matter where you are you get your home phone calls. You can call to the US from Mexico without any charges and you can set up your MJ to send a voicemail to your e-mail address if you miss a call.

Have had one for several years and it really works good

US number

huesos - 9-25-2013 at 02:29 PM

David,
Thanks for the reply. I guess that my follow up question should be, what are the advantages and disadvantages to having a US number in Baja?

shari - 9-25-2013 at 04:31 PM

I love my magic jack! and even cooler that the computer doesnt need to be on to use the phone! It is so nice for our visitors to be able to call home for free and report in to the family...it's way better than skype. You can take it on holidays and plug it into the hotel phones and use them too.

impossible

huesos - 9-25-2013 at 06:45 PM

I just tried to order a magic jack plus and have been billed twice without being able to complete the order. This company is a nightmare. I will have to dispute the charges as fraud to get them removed. There is no way to contact them by their own design.

DENNIS - 9-25-2013 at 06:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by huesos
I just tried to order a magic jack plus and have been billed twice without being able to complete the order. This company is a nightmare. I will have to dispute the charges as fraud to get them removed. There is no way to contact them by their own design.



Are you near Radio Shack? They, as well as Walmart [I think] carry it, as does Amazon.


Don't, as you now know, try to deal with the company. It's a brick wall in Bangladesh.....yesterday, anyway.

roundtuit - 9-25-2013 at 07:05 PM

just bought at radio shack no problem up and working

some kind of crooks

huesos - 9-25-2013 at 07:12 PM

I don't pretend to know what these people are up to but I can't imagine buying their product from any source after what I've just seen. It will only be my standing with BofA that will get these charges removed.
If you by the device from Radio Shack, how do you establish the phone number you want to use? Or do you just ignore the incoming call format and use it to make calls? Something about all of this stinks real bad. Check their BBB ratings. I wish I had. I don't have time to become embroiled in deals like this with the move I am planning to make.

Ateo - 9-25-2013 at 07:15 PM

What a great invention! Fricking sweet.
Quote:
Originally posted by shari
I love my magic jack! and even cooler that the computer doesnt need to be on to use the phone! It is so nice for our visitors to be able to call home for free and report in to the family...it's way better than skype. You can take it on holidays and plug it into the hotel phones and use them too.

DENNIS - 9-25-2013 at 07:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by huesos
If you by the device from Radio Shack, how do you establish the phone number you want to use?


You plug it into your USB port and it prompts you through registration. Watch the process on youtube.
Did you perhaps buy a unit from a friend or private seller that said it was new?

David K - 9-25-2013 at 10:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by huesos
I don't pretend to know what these people are up to but I can't imagine buying their product from any source after what I've just seen. It will only be my standing with BofA that will get these charges removed.
If you by the device from Radio Shack, how do you establish the phone number you want to use? Or do you just ignore the incoming call format and use it to make calls? Something about all of this stinks real bad. Check their BBB ratings. I wish I had. I don't have time to become embroiled in deals like this with the move I am planning to make.


It was easy as pie... one price they provide a phone number for you... a slightly higher price, you pick the number (as in your old land line for instance)... I would give more details, but my esposa did it all (but she is a lot smarter than me, too)!

Santiago - 9-26-2013 at 05:38 AM

Is it possible to use Magic Jack with an active Verizon number? In other words, would an incoming call go to both devices? If so, this would allow me to be in BOLA and get calls to my cell.
Will this work?
Or, just forward my cell to the MJ number?

bajabuddha - 9-26-2013 at 06:23 AM

I would like nothing more than to cut my umbilicus to Verizon. Do you have to have a landline # to buy into this thing, or is it a # entity to itself? Also, is it Microwave Tower dependent, like Banda Ancha, Telcel phones and the internet? Or does it pick up in remote locations? Lastly, cost per mo/yr?

My Verizon for basic service and one PC stick is almost $130/month!! I put it on vacation hold while Baja-ing and use Banda Ancha for internet, but would love to be Verizon-free by next summer.

Bob and Susan - 9-26-2013 at 06:47 AM

you may want to watch this minute and a half news story...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otOyLpOliqc

monoloco - 9-26-2013 at 06:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
you may want to watch this minute and a half news story...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otOyLpOliqc
That video is pretty dated, if you have a decent internet connection, the reception is clear as a bell. I have used mine all over the US, Mexico, and Central America, with no problems.

2quirky - 9-26-2013 at 07:02 AM

I had problems with the MagicJack Plus - but the original one works great - On the occasion that it disconnects during a call - I just call back -

monoloco - 9-26-2013 at 07:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabuddha
I would like nothing more than to cut my umbilicus to Verizon. Do you have to have a landline # to buy into this thing, or is it a # entity to itself? Also, is it Microwave Tower dependent, like Banda Ancha, Telcel phones and the internet? Or does it pick up in remote locations? Lastly, cost per mo/yr?

My Verizon for basic service and one PC stick is almost $130/month!! I put it on vacation hold while Baja-ing and use Banda Ancha for internet, but would love to be Verizon-free by next summer.
All you need is a fairly good internet connection. I think it's still around $20 a year. One note: for some reason we are unable to call cell numbers in Alaska with it.

Mula - 9-26-2013 at 07:07 AM

That's because the Alaska area phone companies - GCI, ATU, ATT Alascom, etc. do not have exchanges with magicJack.

I can call my son through magicJack but only by paying for the call.

monoloco - 9-26-2013 at 07:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Is it possible to use Magic Jack with an active Verizon number? In other words, would an incoming call go to both devices? If so, this would allow me to be in BOLA and get calls to my cell.
Will this work?
Or, just forward my cell to the MJ number?
I'm pretty sure you'll need to have a separate number for the MJ. You can get a MJ, Google, or Skype app for a smart phone that will allow you to send and receive calls via wifi or your data plan. Apple's facetime also works great, but only works between Apple devices.

So Easy

bajaguy - 9-26-2013 at 07:38 AM

Even a Nomad can do it

http://www.magicjack.com/plus-v05/

mtnpop - 9-26-2013 at 02:57 PM

We have used the original majicjack for 4 years now and are 99% good with it.
If there is a slowdown in internet speed It works very well.. We use it at home in Colorado and at home in Mulege... The original needs to be plugged into a computer all the time although it does have voice mail.... Plan prices went up last year,,, one year is $29.99 or 5 year plan is $99.99 or so... free calling majicjack to majicjack anywhere.. free calling in the US of A and maybe Canada now... we have to buy international time to call to a mex land or cell line. "Do not even attempt it with satellite or dial up internet" We talk to all the family and friends in the states for free from our direction...
One new thing now available... Looks interesting but I have no experience.
look into ooma.com they have a similar system and looks to have more bells and whistles and different plans.. Reviews look pretty good across the board.. They may have better voice quality with their newer equipment..
As with anything.. a good attitude toward the system leaves us with a good feeling in keeping it hooked up..... Its all we use at our Colorado mtn house now.... no land line fees anymore...

CortezBlue - 9-26-2013 at 04:52 PM

Forget Magic Jack Plus

Try ObiHai

http://www.obihai.com/

I have both the Magic Jack Plus and the Obihai and I would suggest you try an ObiHai

Why?

1. Price ObiHai is about $35 and does not require any other fees.
2. Google Voice, Obi uses Google Voice works like a charm, plus you can forward your google voice calls to several phones at the same time
3. Quality, the sound is just as good as Magic Jack Plus.
4. Obi dials all of the normal 800 numbers, Magic Jack Plus does work for some but not for all. Also, I have a cousin in Peoria Illinois and Magic Jack does not work when I dial into his 309 exchange.
5. If you buy it from Amazon and it doesn't work for you, no problem, you have 30 days to send it back

Why Not?

1. 911 is not supported
2. If google voice ever starts charging, you will have to then pay a fee.

I am a technology expert, or did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night?? Anyway, give it a shot I don't think you will be disappointed

Cortez, thanks.

huesos - 9-29-2013 at 06:13 PM

huesos - 9-29-2013 at 06:15 PM

This is the kind of exchange that makes this forum so valuable. I may never have heard of this service any other way.

CortezBlue - 10-2-2013 at 10:27 AM

UPDDATE:

I was at Radio Shack here in AZ yesterday and they have the MagicJack Plus for $49
I think when I bought it a year ago it was $69

pauldavidmena - 10-3-2013 at 08:02 AM

Question: does either Magic Jack Plus or Obihai allow one to "forward" a U.S. phone number? I ask because my wife owns a business in Massachusetts and would like to use the same phone number when we spend time in Baja. The ideal solution would be a "portable phone number" that is local to most of her customers but can still be answered in Mexico.

mtnpop - 10-3-2013 at 08:15 AM

Majicjack will assign you a US number.... that will work anywhere you have high speed internet..... If your business number has call fwd then you can fwd to the majicjack number and if the same area code then it won't be a toll call for your customers no matter where you use the majicjack ...
It also has voicemail with email alert...
Not sure if you can have your current number moved to the majicjack but I would think maybe you can....
Our family calls us from Colorado to Mexico since the Majicjack is a Colorado number there is no international fees...
You can also check out OOMA.com... but have no experience with it and it also has a monthly fee for their premium plan...

CortezBlue - 10-3-2013 at 10:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by pauldavidmena
Question: does either Magic Jack Plus or Obihai allow one to "forward" a U.S. phone number? I ask because my wife owns a business in Massachusetts and would like to use the same phone number when we spend time in Baja. The ideal solution would be a "portable phone number" that is local to most of her customers but can still be answered in Mexico.


The short answer is yes, but, with Google Voice you can transfer a bunch of numbers around.

Look into Google Voice and realize that you can use it as a main number, as I do.
Another great feature allows your wife to setup an incoming number with a customer voice mail. i.e., if she has a special custmer that she wants to impress, when that person calls in she can have a dedicated voice mail for them and only them.

bajaguy - 10-3-2013 at 07:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by pauldavidmena
Question: does either Magic Jack Plus or Obihai allow one to "forward" a U.S. phone number? I ask because my wife owns a business in Massachusetts and would like to use the same phone number when we spend time in Baja. The ideal solution would be a "portable phone number" that is local to most of her customers but can still be answered in Mexico.





Magicjack allows you to "transport" your current business or home telephone number from your current phone service provider to your Magicjack device.

Callers think you are in Gotham City and you are actually in Baja. If you cannot answer the phone, MagicJack will forward the calls to a number of your choice, or send you a voicemail message to your e-mail address so you can get the message on either your computer, tablet or smartphone. We have used Magicjack and can recommend it.

Another plus is that the actual MagicJack device is about the size of a USB memory stick and is easily transportable so if you are staying anywhere with computer access or a modem you can plug it in and have phone service.

CortezBlue - 10-6-2013 at 08:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by pauldavidmena
Question: does either Magic Jack Plus or Obihai allow one to "forward" a U.S. phone number? I ask because my wife owns a business in Massachusetts and would like to use the same phone number when we spend time in Baja. The ideal solution would be a "portable phone number" that is local to most of her customers but can still be answered in Mexico.





Magicjack allows you to "transport" your current business or home telephone number from your current phone service provider to your Magicjack device.

Callers think you are in Gotham City and you are actually in Baja. If you cannot answer the phone, MagicJack will forward the calls to a number of your choice, or send you a voicemail message to your e-mail address so you can get the message on either your computer, tablet or smartphone. We have used Magicjack and can recommend it.

Another plus is that the actual MagicJack device is about the size of a USB memory stick and is easily transportable so if you are staying anywhere with computer access or a modem you can plug it in and have phone service.


I would like to make note that you referenced Magic Jack, and that is fine, however, I prefer the Magic Jack Plus and perhaps you meant Magic Jack Plus, but it is so much more versatile when using it with a router directly to a phone. No need to plug it into a laptop. However, you can use it with a laptop as well. For those of you that travel look on Amazon for the small Dlink portable routers that you can take with you and use it at a hotel.

tjsue - 11-6-2013 at 02:15 PM

I now have my Magic Jack Plus, but I've been doing something wrong somewhere, and don't get a dial tone.

I plugged it into my computer, it installed itself, and gave me a phone number, but I can't figure which line except the phone line goes into the attachment. I want to use it without the computer, so if anyone calls me, the answering machine on the phone will take a message.

Can anyone help me?

bajaguy - 11-6-2013 at 02:21 PM

On one side of the MJ box there is a USB port. Put the 110 plug (electrical) into that side, then plug into the wall.

Go to your internet router. Find an "out to device" port. Plug in a data line into that socket (port) then plug the other end into the MJ modem port.

Plug your phone line from the handset into the MJ box. It goes into the port next to where your modem plugs into the MJ

You should have a green light

You are now connected.

Did you register/set up the MJ???

In your on line set-up you can select to have the call go to your computer and use that as your answering machine



[Edited on 11-6-2013 by bajaguy]

chuckie - 11-6-2013 at 02:50 PM

Go to menu on your magic jack screen and make sure you are using telephone and not headset

tjsue - 11-6-2013 at 03:59 PM

The MJ is all set up and I have a phone number. However, I don't have a router, only a modem, if I need a router, I'll have to buy one. I bought a new phone with a built in answering machine, so I plan to use that.

cabonotcho - 11-6-2013 at 04:10 PM

vonage is another solution perhaps,have a great evening

tjsue - 11-6-2013 at 06:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by cabonotcho
vonage is another solution perhaps,have a great evening


Not an option, I already have the MJ.

bajaguy - 11-6-2013 at 07:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tjsue
The MJ is all set up and I have a phone number. However, I don't have a router, only a modem, if I need a router, I'll have to buy one. I bought a new phone with a built in answering machine, so I plan to use that.





OK, there should be several "out" ports on the modem.....same directions.

RnR - 11-7-2013 at 08:01 AM

We also have a wireless phone/answering machine hooked directly to the MJ Plus.

For a while, the phone/answering machine would not record a message.

Found out that MagicJack's on-line voicemail answers in 6 rings.

The phone/answering machine was set to answer after 10 rings (default).

So, the MJ internal voicemail was grabbing the call before the answering machine could.

Changed the phone/answering machine to answer on 4 rings and everything works perfectly.

one ringie dingie, two ringie dingies

EdZeranski - 11-7-2013 at 08:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by huesos
Before moving to Baja, is it advisable to buy magic jack plus and set up the account in the US?


GET ONE!!! We experienced Magic Jack for the first time during our October in Loreto. It came with the house we rented. Loading the driver online was easy and the thing worked just fine from the get-go. Our set up was with an HP palmtop, nothing fancy. Impressed, I'm going to get one to carry on trips to add to our comm options. Usually we have cell phones, marine and Ham radios :tumble:

EdZ

WEIRD, as I read this thread, my MagicJack phone rings ...

bryanmckenzie - 11-7-2013 at 11:00 AM

... while sitting in the Abolone suite at Shari & Juan's place in Asuncion. I've had a STANDRD (not Plus) MJ since 2009. I decided on a San Diego 619 number. Free calls back into USA are great. But it can be spotty if there is much other Internet traffic, from your own computer or on a shared wifi. When traffic is heavy, it works more like a walkie-talkie, only one person being able to talk because otherwise the voice/sound gets all choppy.

I carry it on all my Mexico trips, plug into my laptop, and plug in a cheap $10 plastic phone with standard plug/cable.

Oh yeah, the call was a wrong number, from a collection agency trying to find some guy named Rudy. :lol::lol:

[Edited on 2013-11-7 by bryanmckenzie]

tjsue - 11-7-2013 at 06:47 PM

Thanks for all the help, it's working perfectly now!

bajaguy - 11-7-2013 at 07:20 PM

OK, what did you do to fix it???
Quote:
Originally posted by tjsue
Thanks for all the help, it's working perfectly now!

tjsue - 11-7-2013 at 09:19 PM

I found the missing phone cord.

bajaguy - 11-7-2013 at 09:24 PM

OK, great. Glad it all worked out.
Quote:
Originally posted by tjsue
I found the missing phone cord.

tjsue - 11-8-2013 at 10:17 AM

Thanks. Now all of my friends are happy, because they can call me now. Using the prepaid phone was a PITA, as soon as I use up the last minutes on it, that's the end of it.