How would the phone service work through a laptop? Is there any other equipment to attach or can you talk and hear through the laptop?

• Tweet

April 5th, 2011 - Posted by Kent

The following is an actual user-submitted question:

Q: How would the phone service work through a laptop? Is there any other equipment to attach or can you talk and hear through the laptop?

A: Home VoIP services use the exact same Internet connection as your laptop, but it doesn't actually use your laptop at all. In fact, all you need is an Internet connection. VoIP uses your regular home phone, connected to an adapter (or router) provided by the VoIP company. Your laptop (or wireless router) also plugs into the adapter, allowing you to use the Internet and make calls at the same time, and your computer doesn't even need to be on.

The only exceptions to this are products such as magicJack, which we review in our VoIP alternatives section.

Q: Do I have to leave my computer on for MagicJack to work?

• Tweet

August 31st, 2010 - Posted by Kent

The following is an actual user-submitted question:

Q: Do I have to leave my computer on for MagicJack to work?

A: Yes, you do. Alas, the MagicJack is not really magic at all (though it is a jack, so they're half right). While the MagicJack uses VoIP (Voice of Internet Protocol) technology, it's different from a service like Vonage. The MagicJack hooks into your computer's USB port and your phone. Your computer becomes the conduit for all your calling using the MagicJack software. If your computer is off, well, that's like turning off your cordless phone's base station. That's why we don't recommend MagicJack as a replacement for your home phone service.

Check out our VoIP and Other VoIP reviews for a full rundown on the technology that can save you money on your phone calls.

If I have magicJack in one of my USB ports can I still use the Vonage system?

• Tweet

February 24th, 2010 - Posted by Kent

Q: If I have magicJack in one of my USB ports can I still use the Vonage system?

A: You certainly can. Vonage plugs into your Internet connection, but still allows regular traffic to and from your computer. With magicJack, voice data follows the same route as other Internet traffic that runs through your computer. If you do use this dual setup, you'll either need two phones, or you'll need to switch the line over to magicJack when you want to use that (or vice versa).

Check out our reviews and comparisons of Vonage and other VoIP services here, and well as alternatives like magicJack and Skype here.