[windylou]

I have asked about Lively Jitterbug phones and then heard about Magic Jack house phones that would be more simple because they are a regular house phone ... but very inexpensive.
IF you have used MAGIC JACK, please tell me your experience....Good reception, ?? Price ??
This makes sense to me for dementia or other handicapped as they already know
how to handle a regular house phone .... and don't have to learn another type. My person probably would never need a phone away from the house as he/she will be with someone.
So How about Magic Jack ???

[bagboy]

Over the years, we've used MagicJack as a home phone and it met our needs. It is internet based, so when the power/internet is disrupted, the phone doesn't work. The upside is, they are inexpensive, can be connected with a home phone system with answering machine, and you can call anywhere in the lower 48 states, and Canada for no extra charge. I recommend MagicJack, and you can visit their website for more information. I think todays version might be MagicJack Plus. Reception was excellent.

[villagetinker]

I will add if you install a small UPS (uninterruptable power supply) to power your modem (internet access) and the MagicJack equipment, you MAY still be able to make phone calls during a power outage. These are available at BestBuy and plug into an outlet and then the necessary equipment plugs into the UPS. We use a wireless set of phones in the house, so we have a phone in almost every room.

[TrapX]

MagicJack is not free. There are other options to consider if you want.
Google Voice is free. You can get an adapter to provide support for old style land line phones. I've used an OBI202 for years, there may be others.
Another option could be to use amazon alexa to make calls.
If you have xfinity, they offer cell service pretty cheaply too. They can have a phone in the car that way.

[TCNY61]

Just bought a magicjack for $45 which includes a year of phone service ($35 a year after that). Plugs into either a computer or an ethernet port on your router. Transferred my parents phone number over to it for another $20. Now it emails me with a wav file when someone leaves a voice message on the phone. Can even have the phone ring on your cell phone if you want. Online it keeps a log of all the phone numbers and messages left. My sister has used one for the last five years and loves it.

Originally Posted by windylou

I have asked about Lively Jitterbug phones and then heard about Magic Jack house phones that would be more simple because they are a regular house phone ... but very inexpensive.
IF you have used MAGIC JACK, please tell me your experience....Good reception, ?? Price ??
This makes sense to me for dementia or other handicapped as they already know
how to handle a regular house phone .... and don't have to learn another type. My person probably would never need a phone away from the house as he/she will be with someone.
So How about Magic Jack ???

[windylou]

Originally Posted by TCNY61

Just bought a magicjack for $45 which includes a year of phone service ($35 a year after that). Plugs into either a computer or an ethernet port on your router. Transferred my parents phone number over to it for another $20. Now it emails me with a wav file when someone leaves a voice message on the phone. Can even have the phone ring on your cell phone if you want. Online it keeps a log of all the phone numbers and messages left. My sister has used one for the last five years and loves it.

Thanks to all for your replies. I expected some "not so good" experiences .
I like that it can transfer to my cell sometimes . Looks like some learning here.
Can you add... where do we find Magic Jack and who installs these responsibly ???

[windylou]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I will add if you install a small UPS (uninterruptable power supply) to power your modem (internet access) and the MagicJack equipment, you MAY still be able to make phone calls during a power outage. These are available at BestBuy and plug into an outlet and then the necessary equipment plugs into the UPS. We use a wireless set of phones in the house, so we have a phone in almost every room.

This UPS sounds like a good addition. Does it make the unit stronger all the time.
I understand that the Magic Jack is actually plugged into the internet modem ....
NOT into wall outlets , right ? Thanks for this tip.

[bsloan1960]

Magic Jack plugs into your modem. We have cordless phones- the base station is plugged into the Magic Jack using a standard clip-end wire, then we have a 2nd cordless phone that we carry from room to room that gets its signal from the base station. Used to pay Ma Bell $80 per month- now it's about $50 per year.

[Babubhat]

Excellent. Had mine for at least 15 years. No issues. Magic jack website usually has deals

[dadspet]

I've had and currently do have magicJack and had it for several years however my experience has been that the quality is marginal so I transferred to Ooma phone and found that the quality is significantly better . I now never use magicJack and only use our Ooma phone. You can use a regularly phone and quality is Superior. It's a little more $ but worth it. I will say I haven't tried magicJack in several years here in FL so perhaps it got better .

[smurphy]

You could put your modem on a UPS but I am not sure it would work. If the outage only effected your house, it might work but if it was more widespread, power to the switching centers could be impacted.

[Prpcmom]

Originally Posted by windylou

Thanks to all for your replies. I expected some "not so good" experiences .
I like that it can transfer to my cell sometimes . Looks like some learning here.
Can you add... where do we find Magic Jack and who installs these responsibly ???

You buy it on line at their web site, it is easy to plug into an outlet for power and your modem for internet. I’ve had MagicJacks for 15 years and they still work great. If it starts to sound “staticky “, simply unplug it from power for 30 seconds and plug it back in, no more static. I did have one unit that wouldn’t get rid of the static and at that time, they replaced it with a newer unit for free. Before I bought wireless phones, I plugged it into the house phone wiring and all my phones worked. They didn’t recommend that but it did work.

They have options where you can pay for up to 5 years and get really great pricing.

When you get the unit, read their instructions and you shouldn’t have any problems getting it working. If so, message any one of us who have one and we could help. I would say message me but I don’t check here very often and it might be weeks before I see your message!

[HawkinsGuy]

I use Ooma. It’s free for the basic service but you be are responsible for the monthly taxes which amounts to about $6.00. Look at Best Buy for the equipment. Voice clarity is great and looks and works like a landline phone. Highly recommended.

[windylou]

Originally Posted by HawkinsGuy

I use Ooma. It’s free for the basic service but you be are responsible for the monthly taxes which amounts to about $6.00. Look at Best Buy for the equipment. Voice clarity is great and looks and works like a landline phone. Highly recommended.

Thanks for mentioning Ooma .. It looks like a good thing and voice clarity is important .
However, the initial cost was $189 on the site plus the taxes per month.

[chrissy2231]

Originally Posted by windylou

I have asked about Lively Jitterbug phones and then heard about Magic Jack house phones that would be more simple because they are a regular house phone ... but very inexpensive.
IF you have used MAGIC JACK, please tell me your experience....Good reception, ?? Price ??
This makes sense to me for dementia or other handicapped as they already know
how to handle a regular house phone .... and don't have to learn another type. My person probably would never need a phone away from the house as he/she will be with someone.
So How about Magic Jack ???

Magic Jack disconnects calls, has interference, people talking in background; the list is endless. Better VOIP for only tax $5.67 month after these expenses. $75 buy on Amazon & $75 for set up. Customer service is great!