The Motorola Ming (A1200)
Last night, Jayvee Fernandez of Cellphone9 and I met-up. I got to use the Motorola Ming he was reviewing for Mobile Philippines.
The first impression you get is how compactly beautiful the smartphone is. There's the stunning aesthetics and finish, the kind you'll obsessively try to save from Fingerprints, oil, smudges, or dirt. The translucent cover allows you to access certain functions without having to flip the unit open, and makes the Ming a conversation piece.
This smartphone is Linux-powered, which will surely please fans who believe in the power of the OS. Responsiveness overall is decent, although some features took a while to access. And because the Ming has no keypad, you'll have to depend on constant tapping with its telescoping stylus to input text. Not good news for people used to a QWERTY thumbboard.
The 2mp camera seems to be main highlight. A toggle switch above the lens supposedly allows you to enter macro mode, but it didn't seem to work well under low light. All in all, from the hour or so I was able to use it, I'd say the Moto Ming looks good, but lacks the X factor to make it a definite recommendation.
You can read Jayvee's impressions and see his pictures, and read the complete specs at CNET Asia.
Update: Check out a friend's review of the Moto Ming.
Reden
August 1st, 2006 at 4:51 am #
Hello rico, great site! Your reviews are good too but would you have price info on those phones anytime soon? Also, im looking for a phone that could take lots of field (punishment) work, any sturdy unit you can suggest?
Rico
August 1st, 2006 at 1:57 pm #
Thanks Reden! Since pricing and availability vary from country to country, I’d suggest picking up a copy of your local gadget magazine, or visit a blog focused on the local tech scene. For you fellow kabayan, I’d recommend Mobile Philippines, a magazine I write for (hehe, shameless plug).
For a phone that can take punishment, get a model that has few moving parts (goodbye, Nokia N93). No sliding, no flipping, no twisting. Less movement means less chance of breaking. Also, get a protective (not decorative) case for your unit, if only to save its finish from the wear and tear of daily use.
As for what unit to get, do you need lots of features or simply something that texts and calls? For the former, a Treo 700p or 650 is your best bet, while the latter is exemplified by the Nokia 1100, a cheap, responsive, and long-lasting phone.
Link to the Mobile Philippines Blog: http://www.m-ph.com
Marcelo
September 10th, 2006 at 11:17 am #
Hello, I have bought this A1200 Ming´s smart PDA, but I´d like to find others softwares to install in it. Where can I find anothers softwares for the Ming´s celular? Can you help me?
Best regards,
Marcelo
Rico
September 11th, 2006 at 12:34 pm #
Thanks for asking Marcelo. The Motorola Ming runs on Linux, something I missed when I wrote about it.
Anyways, running on Linux unfortunately means that there’s a limited amount of software available for your phone. Motorola has tried getting people to create programs (http://tinyurl.com/mqknc), but it seems no one’s made anything yet.
There are websites that offer links to Linux software downloads (like http://tinyurl.com/mxl4o). Motorola’s website (http://tinyurl.com/rk9c3) offers some downloads, and so does mobile Fun (http://tinyurl.com/mseta) But know that the amount of office software for Linux-driven smartphones is kinda limited right now.
prashant
January 10th, 2007 at 6:36 am #
hello Rico,
i just want to know, if i have any application which run of java platform, is work on motorola ming?
Rico
January 10th, 2007 at 8:43 pm #
Yes, they will work on the Ming. But double-check on the game’s compatibility list if the Motorola Ming is listed! Failing that, e-mail the vendor to ask. That way, if you buy the game and it doesn’t work, you’ll have documentation that’ll help you get your money back.
on_zoy
January 19th, 2007 at 3:46 pm #
MOTOming… truly a nice PDA in budget. I’m falling love with this phone. style and looks r really too good. I’m using black MOTOming, the design and display quality is really dam good. the 2mpix camera is much better then nokia or sonyericssion 2mpx camera. macro mode always help me to take closeup snap. negative features are just like battery meter, equalizer less real player, unavailability of applications and poor speaker sound.
nilesh
January 24th, 2007 at 7:52 am #
Is there any s/w tool available to do excel/spreadsheet like functions for this mobile motorola a1200
Raju
March 15th, 2007 at 6:36 am #
Dear Rico
Hi… I have recently purchased one moto ming for me. The phone is fantastic…. for the last 10 years i have been using different and advanced Nokia phones. This is the first time I’m switching over to Moto.
I got a positive approach from this site and from one of my friend who is working in Motorola.
I have a question for you…. I’m getting a low battery back up for my phone. It is not getting more than a day for me….. Can any one told you about this? Can I get a new battery for me from the company which can get a backup of atleat 2-3 days for a normal use..?
Please reply…..
Thanks & Brgds
Raju
Abhijit
March 16th, 2007 at 7:10 pm #
I found this as complete mess…..the most problemetic area is speaker. I found it very bad. not good as N70.
I am fraustrated with moto ming.
elgin
March 20th, 2007 at 12:33 am #
how much would that cost if you were to purchase it in the philippines
Rico
March 20th, 2007 at 1:30 am #
If I’m not mistaken, it was Php 23,000.00 when it first came out here last year. It’s definitely below 20,000.00 nowadays.
chandu
March 27th, 2007 at 7:04 am #
It looks amazing and cool..but it got pathetic speaker sound …And guys those who are looking for good music ..Its very very bad choice.to go for it..
Aziz
March 29th, 2007 at 4:31 pm #
Good write up!
I recently got a hand on a Ming over here in the states and have a quick question. The battery seemed to not be able to hold a charge so i replaced it. Now the phone keeps turning off and on and wont recognize my sim card. Perhaps im missing a crucial point like this phone wont work in the US. Any help would be much appreciated!
Lap
April 7th, 2007 at 7:25 pm #
I bought my Ming from CompUSA acouple weeks ago. I like the phone but the entire touch screen constantly not response to command. I can see all the icons but none of them are responsive. Sometimes it works but I don’t know how. Unfortunately that I bought the phone (new, never opened) from a closed CompUSA store and can not exchange it. I called Motorola but they are not support it because currently this phone is not available in the US market. I checked out many forums but none have touch screen related issue. Please help.
sagar
April 13th, 2007 at 12:01 am #
Hi i am from India. This phone is really very good; the feature like business card reader is excellent and saves a lot of time for me to add contacts from my clients’ cards.
But the phone lacks in two departments one being the battery (does not even come for a day) and the second the ring tones are not audible especially when you are even in a slightly noisy environment. Also, the availability of additional software is pathetic. If nokia brings out a phone like this, it would be a bigger success
leyddie
May 14th, 2007 at 8:32 pm #
hi im leyddie from phillippines.i love my motoming a1200.the first time i saw it, i fell in love with its simplicity look.hope you can give me any information regarding the phone.
Niranjan
May 31st, 2007 at 8:00 am #
I have a new Ming I want to where can I find softwares to install in my PDA
Niranjan
May 31st, 2007 at 8:05 am #
I have a new Ming I want to know where can I find softwares to install in my PDA
Niranjan
June 6th, 2007 at 8:26 am #
Hi,
can we use our finger to operate touch screen phones or every time we should stylus
Cletus
June 7th, 2007 at 5:45 am #
I have a motoroal ming a1200 but I am not able to send pictures to another phone. Can you help me pls.
Kunal
June 21st, 2007 at 9:58 am #
This phone is ossam.But a loud sound would have made it perfect.Hope it also had edge.
john
June 26th, 2007 at 6:33 am #
i like so much this phone
I saw one and I was impressed
I will buy me one soon
shivi
July 2nd, 2007 at 10:48 am #
this is one of the best phones i bought till today. i have used every phone almost but not this much stylish and cool….
aims
July 4th, 2007 at 1:15 am #
hey sagar i do agree with you about its battary performance but cant agree to the ring tone as its ackwardly loud. press the left side niddle smart key twice you will find the ring setting and then choose your option. I am telling you its ackwardly loud.
Panks
July 11th, 2007 at 7:54 am #
Motoming can be great if they do something with its speakers.
Kahuna
July 12th, 2007 at 8:32 am #
Does anyone know of any applications that can be accessed or added to the Ming to allow for sync with Exchange E-Mail? Device is great but useless with out access to Exchange E-Mail.
rupesh
July 30th, 2007 at 12:54 am #
very good
Mel
August 1st, 2007 at 2:32 pm #
Does anyone know how to get stored names to show up when they are calling you? Right now, their number shows on the screen and text messages but not their stored name.
Sonny
August 3rd, 2007 at 3:06 pm #
My phone has just stopped recognizing it’s Micro SD transflash card. It worked yesterday, I took a picture and the path and recognition dissapeared. Can anyone help me get it back? Its not even on the “Device Status” bar anymore. HELP!!
JAY
August 5th, 2007 at 7:23 pm #
SORRY HELP ME A1200
drew
August 8th, 2007 at 11:16 pm #
I bought the ming and i love it. but i started having problems with my text. whenever i try to text it tells me my file is too big. I need help. anyone
Vinh
August 13th, 2007 at 6:42 pm #
hello rico…i was wondering how much does it cost a month to use the web browser?i currently have T-Mobile..can a 5.99 work? instead of going with the 29.99?please help
Mark
August 18th, 2007 at 8:28 pm #
Hey i was wondering if someone could help me out. I bought housing for the Ming and it came with the tools. Unfortunatley I have no idea how to install it. Does anyone know a website that provides directions/tutorial on how to install it. Thanks
eduardo
September 3rd, 2007 at 6:34 pm #
hey, i got my new a1200 a couple of weeks ago, but i havent been able to synchronize it with my pc, it comes with the installation disk, but it doesnt seem to work, i even downloaded the update, but same thing, it wont detect my phone, can somebody help me with this?
sandy
September 4th, 2007 at 11:57 am #
I DONT HAVE THIS DIVICE BUT I LIKE THIS PHONE
Ravi
September 11th, 2007 at 5:14 pm #
hello,
I had a question about the carriers that support this phone, I have sprint and would like to buy the MOTO MING and was wondering if that is possible. Help would be much appreciated, thanks.
uday pratap
September 26th, 2007 at 12:35 am #
ya the ming is really cool and very very nice. i m lovin this. actually i went on to buy a nokia cell. but once i saw it, paid cash instantly n went away with the phone.
few things i want to know. how to install theme/skin, games n on motoming.
Pawan
October 15th, 2007 at 4:12 am #
I want to buy a phone and am inpressed with both nokia E65 & Moto MING but dont really know which one to buy.
can u assist please?
Gabe
October 19th, 2007 at 7:43 am #
Does the Ming work with a T-Mobile Sim Card?
cathy
November 6th, 2007 at 12:24 am #
Hi,
I recently bought the Motorola A1200E phone and I would have to disagree with alot of folks on here. I think this phone is great, and very affordable. I noticed alot of people are having problems with the audio, but I think this phone is pretty loud and the speaker sounds good. I haven’t had any problems with it. I am i the US.. and as far as not being able to text or send pictures, you might want to have it unlocked or coded, i know because i had mine done. the texting on it i think is fine (but ofcourse I spend money on my nails) so it makes it easy for me to text.. =P anywho.. i totally recommend this phone to anyone who wants a smartphone.. =)
GEOVANNY
November 14th, 2007 at 1:48 pm #
QUIERO SUBIR EL VOLUMEN A MI TELEFONO A 1200
Erika
December 1st, 2007 at 6:42 pm #
Hi!!!
I have a question about the ming…i just got one almost a week now lol. i was wondering if there is a way that i can make my phone vibrate on text messages and make it ring on calls…i hate that i have to keep it on vibrate to keep it quiet when i text message because i am like a totally non stop texter…oh and one more question…is there a way that i can make my phone picture and video message because i am having problems doing that…please answer back…thank you!!!
3R][K@ ^.^
Yogesh
December 13th, 2007 at 9:08 am #
I want to buy a Moto Ming! but lookin @ the above responses it might not be the better choice to buy a ming.. Whats say??
brahmaiah
December 25th, 2007 at 3:53 am #
hello Rico,
i just want to know, if i have any application which run of java platform, is work on motorola ming
kalyani
December 28th, 2007 at 2:20 am #
i like the motoming. i use this cell as office assistanat.
mathis
January 12th, 2008 at 10:56 pm #
I really want to get this phone.. but I’m a heavy texter, and since I can’t try this phone out at a store, I wanted to know if you think if it would be ok for me, I send about 1000 txts a month.
Thanks.
AvErY NiCoLe
March 2nd, 2008 at 7:46 pm #
Will this phone ever come to the U.S? I really want this phone but none of the websites make it clear if it will come to the U.S.A or not!!!
PRASANNA
July 6th, 2008 at 9:13 am #
i love my moto ming
PRASANNA
July 6th, 2008 at 9:13 am #
i love my motoming
dyowi
October 27th, 2009 at 5:33 pm #
hi rico,,I would juz like to ask,,wher can I buy new housing for my motoming A1200?!
jeremiah mwongela
February 11th, 2010 at 2:21 am #
My screen stopped displaying.its just showing a blank white screen….it started by flickering and i had never dropped of impacted any force on it.what could be the problem? i really love the A1200.no other phone can substitute it.
jerry
Nairobi, kenya
Motorola Smartphones
March 25th, 2010 at 9:46 am #
Moto Ming established Motorola as an innovative company that will stop at nothing to satisfy its customers. This smartphone started a whole new race of smartphones among mobile manufacturers.
Numberstore
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 am #
This phone gets full points for its looks. I hope it has all the features so that we can call it smartphone.
joey
October 29th, 2010 at 7:50 am #
can i ask something?
my motoming is hanging and whenever i go to inbox, it say’s “WAITING FOR DATABASE” what can i do?
thank you!
kombi regulatoru
December 16th, 2010 at 8:47 pm #
kombi regulatoru ve regulator ?malat?nda 1 numara selginservo.com
trafo
December 16th, 2010 at 8:47 pm #
trifaze trafolar ve monofaze trafolar serhattrafo.com
iddaa tahminleri
December 16th, 2010 at 8:48 pm #
sakat cezal? listesi v e iddaa tahminleri iddabul.com
fotoselli kapi
December 24th, 2010 at 2:16 pm #
otomatik sürgülü kap?lar argekapi.com
garaj kapisi
December 24th, 2010 at 2:17 pm #
dekoratif garaj kap?lar? argekapi.com
dekoratif kapi
January 5th, 2011 at 1:25 pm #
endüstriyel kap?lar
draksharao
February 1st, 2011 at 12:38 pm #
4m last 3 years my ming woking with out any problems, i never use this much mobile in my past& also it never happen in feature also