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in my mailbox only a few days after I ordered it. The futuristic-looking little unit also came with a USB extension cord in the packaging, which is a nice optional feature should you require it.

After plugging the MagicJack into the USB port on my new iMac, its software promptly loaded on my machine and prompted me to click twice to launch the MagicJack Softphone. I then plugged my cordless phone I've had for years into the other end of the MagicJack. But before I could place a call, I had to set up the MagicJack, choose a telephone number, and assign enhanced 911 (E-911) location data.

After initializing the MagicJack, I was ready to place a call. I was impressed to find that it is no different than dialing the telephone through traditional phone lines; and the sound was impressive save a little background static. However, along the way I found a few limitations.

MagicJack is geared primarily toward Microsoft Windows PCs rather than Macs. It operates just fine on a Mac, albeit some features do not work:

1) No sound through the computer's speakers or bluetooth headset
2) No caller ID
3) No call waiting
4) No contacts list
5) No call list

Like all VOIP telephony these days, your MagicJack phone service won't be available if your electricity goes out. And most frustrating for MagicJack users, since January 2008 MagicJack has repeatedly promised that their engineers are "working on" rolling out phone number portability so that users won't have to make the painful switch to a totally new phone number. Unfortunately, thus far we haven't seen any movement in that direction.

Despite MagicJack's few drawbacks, I still recommend this leading VOIP service for cheap, unlimited long-distance calling if nothing more. With its low cost of $19.95 per year, it equals out to roughly $1.66 per month, saving those who call long distance often a bundle of money. Furthermore, the plug-and-play device really is easy to set up and get going. For more information on MagicJack, see their website @ www.magicjack.com.

Though not completely free per se, I believe VOIP has a bright future. If its limitations can be ironed out, in time it will make the expensive, confusing, old-fashioned Ma Bells look ancient and cumbersome. And who knows, maybe in the future it will be totally free. But somehow I doubt the traditional phone companies will let that happen.

Learn more about this author, Daniel J. Gansle.
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