For the best quality, which one is the best i.e. ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) or IP Phone?
Whilst I don’t use broadband so VOIP is out for me, anything with analogue in the name would have to convert the analogue voice data to digital data for transmission over the internet, so there would be a processing overhead and I don’t know if that would also reduce the quality levels.
Your IP Phone is more likely to be a digital device (but you would have to check with the manufacturers specification) so there would be no additional processing required.
So personally I think this is a digital V analogue issue, check out this google search results listing, http://www.google.com/search?q=VOIP+FAQ.
I use a device called Magic Jack.
It gives me unlimited calls throughout the US and Canada and extremely low cost international service.
One side is plugged into a USB2 port and a phone is plugged into the other end.
They assign you a local telephone number.
I also use Magic Jack.
My husband has been wanting me to purchase Magic Jack. I have been curious about it.
Bob when you use it for international calls does the service include calls to mobile phones and if so is that inexpensive too? I use a Tracfone now, but it doesn’t include mobile phones in most European countries just landline connections. I have considered Vonage, but this Magic Jack is much cheaper.
Ro Ro 8) 8)
I am currently in Europe. I am afraid they have presence in Europe.
RoRo,
I know of some people who have shipped a MagicJack to a relative overseas and they now both
have unlimited calling without an international connection.
There are no restrictions about calling cellphones.
Remember, you are assigned a local Phone Number and use a regular phone.
Magic jack works anywhere that has a broadband connection. All calls to the US and Canada are free. Just make sure your USB ports can supply enough current to the device. Some people have to purchase powered USB hubs. My magic jack works for hours on this system, but then later in the night I get no dial tone… I switched it to my other computer and now works flawlessly.
I guess I am still a little confused. If you call someone without a Magic Jack can you connect up with no problems? I imagine since you can call cellphones that would have to be true.
I do understand about powered USB connectors. I don’t use a hub and have the 4 USB ports on my Vista laptop to use, so they should work fine I would think.
Thank you for your information.
RoRo
Make sure that you turn off Power Management in the USB Properties in Device Manager.
YoKenny,
I went to Device Manager, but couldn’t find the way to turn off Power Management in the USB properties. Where do I look?
Ro Ro
In Device Manager scroll down to USB Root Hub
In other words, I must make sure the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” box is not checked. That must be the default in Windows Vista as all 6 of my USB Root Hubs are in that condition. I can see how that might be a problem.
One other thing, the website states that International Service is coming soon. I just talked to Magic Jack and they said International calling is activated, so I ordered one. I will use all your information when I install.
Thanks Again.
Ro Ro
This is just an addition to this thread. I have received and installed Magic Jack on my Vista machine with no problems what so ever. I have already called friends in the USA and mobile phones in Spain and have found the quality of the calls great. As long as things go along as they are now, I could recommend this little gem to anyone.
RoRo 8) 8) 8)
Bob,
I have one more question. Do I have to turn my computer off to unplug my magic jack? It is a little awkward to have it sticking out of my laptop when I travel around. I have tried to stop the software using the “Safely Remove Hardware” wizard but it keeps telling me that the device is in use so it can’t stop it. I have closed the program through the Task Manager but that doesn’t make any difference. The only time the light goes off in the Magic Jack is when I close the lid of my laptop. I hate to just unplug it without making sure it is shut down correctly.
RoRo
RoRo,
I answered your PM. 