Water conditioners - any good?(non boating)

[PetiteFleur]

My water softener has packed up and SWMBO says she wants the space it takes up. So, I've heard about these water conditioners, either a wire wrapped around the water pipe with an electric current flowing through or magnetic ones which clamp to the water pipe. Do they work? If so any recommendations?

 

[pvb]

I understand smoke and mirrors can be very effective.