After Consumer Reports gave MagicJack (MJ) its semi-seal of approval, I figured I'd give it a try as my primary home phone. If it works I save a couple of hundred bucks on my phone bill. If it doesn't work I'm only out 40 bucks. Overall, I've found that MJ is passable, but you get what you pay for.
When MJ works, it's great. However it takes a perfect storm to get the best results. For the sake of brevity, I've listed the quirks below. Take them like a Seventeen magazine quiz to see if MJ is right for you.
-MJ needs a reliable Internet connection. Since VOIP uses UDP to make calls, lost data is lost forever and cannot be recovered or rebuilt. Thus make sure you have a high speed connection and don't use WiFi.
-The hardware is cheap at best. If you have an older laptop, you may need a high power USB hub to power the MJ to use a regular phone. If you're using a computer headset, you won't have this problem.
- Since the hardware is cheap, only certain phones will work with it. It seems older phones work best. I wanted a multiple handset model and i had to try two before i got one that worked.
- The MJ service only has certain area codes available for you assigned number. In my case they didn't have a 603 code. Make sure you run a quick google search for MJ and your area code to see if it is available.
- The call volume for me is low. I'm not sure what the cause is but even on the highest volume setting, I still have trouble hearing people sometimes.
If you can get the right setup, MJ is great. Like I said earlier, if you don't like it, you're only out 40 bucks. If you want a little more assurance, try Skype or have a cell phone for a backup. There are also some good support forums as well. All in all, MJ is nothing special,but it's saved me a ton of cash so far.
Godspeed
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
What it's like to be a dad
Since Isaiah was born, I've gotten more questions about this than anything else. I'll try to sum up my feelings as best I can.
For the first 19 hours of labor I was doing pretty good. Then I hit a wall where I had no idea what to do. I even suggested we go against our birth plan. For a while I felt really lousy. Then when we were in the birth suite, I heard one of the nurses mention that we were going to try everything until something worked. It was then that I realized that they were just as lost as I was.
I'm slowly learning that parenting is quite similar. I'm not really sure what I'm doing sometimes, but the really is is that there is no such thing as a perfect Dad. From what I gather, the biggest part of being a dad is just showing up and giving your all. I love Isaiah with all of my heart and I trust God to lead me in how to raise him. Will I be perfect? No, but I'll always be there for him.
Also, the references to a father's love are starting to make a lot more sense. Everything from CSNY's "Teach Your Children" to God's love for us makes much more sense now than it used to. I'll definitely explore this more in another post
To close, I'll say that this is experience is more than I could have ever imagined. The range of emotions is off the charts, but when you have a second to relax is one of the best feelings in the world.
Godspeed
For the first 19 hours of labor I was doing pretty good. Then I hit a wall where I had no idea what to do. I even suggested we go against our birth plan. For a while I felt really lousy. Then when we were in the birth suite, I heard one of the nurses mention that we were going to try everything until something worked. It was then that I realized that they were just as lost as I was.
I'm slowly learning that parenting is quite similar. I'm not really sure what I'm doing sometimes, but the really is is that there is no such thing as a perfect Dad. From what I gather, the biggest part of being a dad is just showing up and giving your all. I love Isaiah with all of my heart and I trust God to lead me in how to raise him. Will I be perfect? No, but I'll always be there for him.
Also, the references to a father's love are starting to make a lot more sense. Everything from CSNY's "Teach Your Children" to God's love for us makes much more sense now than it used to. I'll definitely explore this more in another post
To close, I'll say that this is experience is more than I could have ever imagined. The range of emotions is off the charts, but when you have a second to relax is one of the best feelings in the world.
Godspeed
Friday, September 10, 2010
Baby Isaiah Update
Hi all,
Just wanted to give a quick update on all things baby related.
Isaiah is cute as a button and healthy as can be. He needs a bit of extra formula from time to time, but overall is doing great. Making tons of dirty diapers.
Things got a bit fussy yesterday, but our friends Tom and Karina a were nice enough to stop by and make us gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup. This helped us get back on our feet a bit and relax. Isaiah had his best night of sleep and so did I.
We're looking to relax this weekend. IJK can watch his first Penn State and hopefully Steelers game this week.
Just so you know I plan on blogging about other stuff too. I've gotten a bunch of stuff backlogged and I'd love to talk about anything you suggest. I'll be bringing the iPad with me to work, so hopefully i can do some writing during lunch.
That about does it for now. I'll try to put up some pics later today if i get a chance.
Godspeed
Just wanted to give a quick update on all things baby related.
Isaiah is cute as a button and healthy as can be. He needs a bit of extra formula from time to time, but overall is doing great. Making tons of dirty diapers.
Things got a bit fussy yesterday, but our friends Tom and Karina a were nice enough to stop by and make us gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup. This helped us get back on our feet a bit and relax. Isaiah had his best night of sleep and so did I.
We're looking to relax this weekend. IJK can watch his first Penn State and hopefully Steelers game this week.
Just so you know I plan on blogging about other stuff too. I've gotten a bunch of stuff backlogged and I'd love to talk about anything you suggest. I'll be bringing the iPad with me to work, so hopefully i can do some writing during lunch.
That about does it for now. I'll try to put up some pics later today if i get a chance.
Godspeed
Saturday, September 4, 2010
IJK Update
Just a quick update on the bundle of joy.
Weight: 7lbs
Length: 22.5 in
Mom and baby are doing well and IJK is recovering nicely from his breathing issue.
We're scheduled to be released Monday, but are trying to get out tomorrow since things went so well.
Thanks again for all of the texts, calls and visits. Take a look at the pictures below and behold IJK's tiny awesomeness.
Weight: 7lbs
Length: 22.5 in
Mom and baby are doing well and IJK is recovering nicely from his breathing issue.
We're scheduled to be released Monday, but are trying to get out tomorrow since things went so well.
Thanks again for all of the texts, calls and visits. Take a look at the pictures below and behold IJK's tiny awesomeness.
Isaiah Joseph Kirsch is Here
It's official. I'm a dad.
7 lb 10 oz
20.5 in long
29.5 hours in labor.
Everyone is healthy, but Isaiah has a bit of a breathing problem. Nothing major, but his lungs have a bit of fluid in them.
Birth plan was followed to a T.
Feel free to stop by or call.
Check back for my observations on the birthing experience.
Godspeed
7 lb 10 oz
20.5 in long
29.5 hours in labor.
Everyone is healthy, but Isaiah has a bit of a breathing problem. Nothing major, but his lungs have a bit of fluid in them.
Birth plan was followed to a T.
Feel free to stop by or call.
Check back for my observations on the birthing experience.
Godspeed
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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