Filed in archive
Motorola
, Smartphones
by Rico Mossesgeld on July 30, 2006
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.
Permalink: The Motorola Ming (A1200)
Trackback: http://publish.creative-weblogging.com/publish/mt-tb.pl/30607
Addthis
Ask
Blinklist
del.icio.us
Digg
Fark
Facebook
Google
Lycos
Ma.gnolia
Mr Wong
Netscape
Netvousz
Newsvine
Reddit
StumbleUpon
Slashdot
Tailrank
Technorati
Wink
Yahoo
Vote for The Motorola Ming (A1200):
|
Rating: 9.29 out of 392 vote(s) cast.
|
Response from:
Reden
(08/01/06 7:51am)
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?
Response from:
Rico
(08/01/06 4:57pm)
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
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
Response from:
Marcelo
(09/10/06 2:17pm)
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
Best regards,
Marcelo
Response from:
Rico
(09/11/06 3:34pm)
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.
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.
Response from:
prashant
(01/10/07 9:36am)
hello Rico,
i just want to know, if i have any application which run of java platform, is work on motorola ming?
i just want to know, if i have any application which run of java platform, is work on motorola ming?
Response from:
Rico
(01/10/07 11:43pm)
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.
Response from:
on_zoy
(01/19/07 6:46pm)
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.
Response from:
nilesh
(01/24/07 10:52am)
Is there any s/w tool available to do excel/spreadsheet like functions for this mobile motorola a1200
Response from:
Raju
(03/15/07 9:36am)
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
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
Response from:
Abhijit
(03/16/07 10:10pm)
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.
I am fraustrated with moto ming.
Response from:
elgin
(03/20/07 3:33am)
how much would that cost if you were to purchase it in the philippines
Response from:
Rico
(03/20/07 4:30am)
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.
Response from:
chandu
(03/27/07 10:04am)
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..
Response from:
Aziz
(03/29/07 7:31pm)
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!
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!
Response from:
Lap
(04/07/07 10:25pm)
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.
Response from:
sagar
(04/13/07 3:01am)
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
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
Response from:
leyddie
(05/14/07 11:32pm)
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.
Response from:
Niranjan
(05/31/07 11:00am)
I have a new Ming I want to where can I find softwares to install in my PDA
Response from:
Niranjan
(05/31/07 11:05am)
I have a new Ming I want to know where can I find softwares to install in my PDA
Response from:
Niranjan
(06/06/07 11:26am)
Hi,
can we use our finger to operate touch screen phones or every time we should stylus
can we use our finger to operate touch screen phones or every time we should stylus
Response from:
Cletus
(06/07/07 8:45am)
I have a motoroal ming a1200 but I am not able to send pictures to another phone. Can you help me pls.
Response from:
Kunal
(06/21/07 12:58pm)
This phone is ossam.But a loud sound would have made it perfect.Hope it also had edge.
Response from:
john
(06/26/07 9:33am)
i like so much this phone
I saw one and I was impressed
I will buy me one soon
I saw one and I was impressed
I will buy me one soon
Response from:
shivi
(07/02/07 1:48pm)
this is one of the best phones i bought till today. i have used every phone almost but not this much stylish and cool....
Response from:
aims
(07/04/07 4:15am)
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.
Response from:
Panks
(07/11/07 10:54am)
Motoming can be great if they do something with its speakers.
Response from:
Kahuna
(07/12/07 11:32am)
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.
Response from:
rupesh
(07/30/07 3:54am)
very good
Response from:
Mel
(08/01/07 5:32pm)
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.
Response from:
Sonny
(08/03/07 6:06pm)
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!!
Response from:
JAY
(08/05/07 10:23pm)
SORRY HELP ME A1200
Response from:
drew
(08/09/07 2:16am)
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
Response from:
Vinh
(08/13/07 9:42pm)
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
Response from:
Mark
(08/18/07 11:28pm)
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
Response from:
eduardo
(09/03/07 9:34pm)
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?
Response from:
sandy
(09/04/07 2:57pm)
I DONT HAVE THIS DIVICE BUT I LIKE THIS PHONE
Response from:
Ravi
(09/11/07 8:14pm)
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.
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.
Response from:
uday pratap
(09/26/07 3:35am)
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.
few things i want to know. how to install theme/skin, games n on motoming.
Response from:
Pawan
(10/15/07 7:12am)
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?
can u assist please?
Response from:
Gabe
(10/19/07 10:43am)
Does the Ming work with a T-Mobile Sim Card?
Response from:
cathy
(11/06/07 3:24am)
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.. =)
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.. =)
Response from:
GEOVANNY
(11/14/07 4:48pm)
QUIERO SUBIR EL VOLUMEN A MI TELEFONO A 1200
Response from:
Erika
(12/01/07 9:42pm)
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@ ^.^
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@ ^.^
Response from:
Yogesh
(12/13/07 12:08pm)
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??
Response from:
brahmaiah
(12/25/07 6:53am)
hello Rico,
i just want to know, if i have any application which run of java platform, is work on motorola ming
i just want to know, if i have any application which run of java platform, is work on motorola ming
Response from:
kalyani
(12/28/07 5:20am)
i like the motoming. i use this cell as office assistanat.
Response from:
mathis
(01/13/08 1:56am)
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.
Thanks.
Response from:
AvErY NiCoLe
(03/02/08 10:46pm)
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!!!
Response from:
PRASANNA
(07/06/08 12:13pm)
i love my moto ming
Response from:
PRASANNA
(07/06/08 12:13pm)
i love my motoming
Response from:
dyowi
(10/27/09 8:33pm)
hi rico,,I would juz like to ask,,wher can I buy new housing for my motoming A1200?!
Subscribe
Marketplace
- mobile broadband
Use the search to look for other interesting posts
| RSS |  See all blog subscribe options |
 What is RSS? | |
| Yahoo! |
|
| Addthis |
|
| Bloglines |
|
| Newsletter | |
| Follow us on Twitter! |
