MagicJack Product Review - Is Dan Borislow trying to kill telecom?

On the wee hours of the morning I saw a commercial about MagicJack, a softphone / USB device that 'allegedly' allows you to make unlimited calls to the U.S. from any Internet connected computer in the world for $19.95/year. I was intrigued.

A few Google searches later, many people have reported that it does work overseas. Since I tend to travel often, I'm now officially going to try this out. I would have loved to test this while I was on Holland America's cruise ships (which blocks Skype). But I didn't know about it! Definitely a case study for infomercial marketing.

OUTLINE:

01/06/2008: I just ordered it off their web site at www.magicjack.com. Shipping for priority mail costs $13.90. They are already making a profit off me on shipping alone! Mr. Borislow, work on this -- this does not make a first good impression. Build it into the price rather than jacking the shipping.

More updates later...

Product Review (2007): Sony's DVDirect [VRDMC3]

Have you ever had miniDV or VHS tapes lying around that you wanted to convert to DVDs? If you are like me, you have several tapes that are itching to be converted. DVDs after all can be universally played almost anywhere now days, and the format has a longer shelf life than your average tape format. The only problem with converting tapes is that it takes FOREVER if you go through a computer. You first have to upload your tape into your computer, then convert it into DVD format.

But! There is a solution to this. Today, I purchased Sony's DVDirect VRDMC3, which removes the computer from the equation. I simply attached my JVC camcorder (all camcorders will work), and put in a writable DVD disc and click Record. Of course, you make sure your camcorder is sending the video through an audio and video connection.

I now have two miniDV tapes fully converted into DVDs and it plays well on my generic home theater system. For those looking for a shortcut to converting VHS or miniDV tapes, I seriously suggest Sony's DVDirect device.