How much does a unit cost? That's always the first question. The magicJack sells for $39.95 and an inexpensive (optional) handset costs about $10.95. So the total cost here in New York with tax is $54.97. There are discounts available to me as a reseller, but I have to buy 25 units at a time to get the discount which would enable me to buy 5 units for the price of 4 at the normal price. The next question some folks have is: "How do I know you're not just lining your own pockets?" The answer is simple, you don't. If that question comes to mind please just say a prayer for our soldiers or think a good thought towards them, you're under no obligation to send a donation.

Why only Balad? At this time we know that the magicJack device works in Balad. The ISP’s there don’t block the VoIP ports. Some ISP’s in other locations where our armed forces are stationed block those ports so the magicJack and other VoIP devices will not work. Also, my son is in Balad, so having a contact there helps to get these to where they are needed.

What is a magicJack? A magicJack is a piece of computer hardware that allows a person to make phone calls over any high speed internet connection. The magicJack plugs into a USB port. The technology is called VoIP for "Voice over IP", IP being “Internet Protocol” and it is being used by Vonage and cable companies that offer phone service.

Does magicJack work with Microsoft Vista? Yes! It works with Vista and XP, and Mac support is in Beta testing.

How big is a magicJack? A magicJack unit is about the size of a large pack of chewing gum.

How much is the service? magicJack service is $19.95 per year. No, it isn’t a typo, it’s $19.95 a year and one year of service is included with the initial purchase of the device.

Are the calls free? Yes, all local and long distance calls to the US and Canada are free and unlimited.

What about calls from Iraq? Calls from anywhere in the world are seen on the network as coming from your local number. When you set up your magicJack you choose your area code and get assigned a phone number from that area, so calls to the US and Canada from anywhere in the world are free. An added bonus is that you can call your soldier. If he or she is available, great, if not, you can leave them a voice mail.

Please be aware that not all cities in all area codes are served. The city you may have to choose at this time may not be in your local calling area. For incoming calls (a call to your soldier from a regular land line without free LD or LD included) there could be a per minute charge. Your soldier calling home though is always free. MOST area codes are served at this time.

For a list of available area codes please clink the link. http://www.magicjack.com/9/areacodes.asp

Why not just use Skype? While Skype is an excellent product, calls made with Skype are not always free. Per minute charges can be accrued.

...but Skype has video, instant messaging and conference call built in. Yes it does, but the video is only for two people just like most personal webcam applications. You can video and IM while talking on the magicJack simply by starting Yahoo IM, AOL IM Windows Live, or any number of other IM/Cam applications. Plus, magicJack is hardware, not software, it uses the computer to connect to the internet, so it’s drain on CPU time is minimal.

Where can I find out more about the magicJack? Click the link http://www.magicjack.com and be sure to read the reviews.