Motorola A1200 Ming
Announced last December 2005 and available for quite some time now, the Motorola A1200 Ming, also known by its nick name as the Motorola Ming is a Linux based smart phone from Motorola. It utilizes the flip design albeit with a transparent cover giving it a very sleek and futuristic edge. Targeted for the business type consumer, it also features a very useful business card reader.
Contrary to the transparent, plastic flip cover though, the Motorola Ming feels rather sturdy and comfortable in the hand. It is a very mobile gadget considering its applications, weighing in at only 122 g and measuring 95.7 x 51.7 x 21.5 mm (height, width and thickness respectively). Compared to other mobile phones it may be quite hefty but keep in mind that this is a smart phone and the weight and bulk issues quickly disappears.
Motorola A1200 Ming Camera and Display
The QVGA display screen on the Motorola Ming is capable of displaying up to 262,000 colors and gives a very brilliant glow, making it readable even under intense brightness especially when used outdoors under harsh sunlight. What's more, with the transparent screen, the user does not always have to flip the phone open every time the need to view the screen arises.
The Motorola Ming's excellent screen display is also the perfect compliment for the phone's 2.0 mega pixel camera which can take pictures in three different resolutions: 1200 x 1600, 768 x 1024, and 480 x 640 pixels. Now, a 2.0 mega pixel lens is nothing to boast one might think, especially compared to competing smart phones equipping their models up to 5.0 mega pixel cameras. But with the case of the Motorola 
Ming we must be able to experience its output first before we can judge it accordingly.
As common in probably all smart phones and even entry level camera phones for that matter, the Motorola Ming has applications for further tweaking your captured images. The user have different options to alter the photo quality such as switching to night mode and rendering their photos with effects such as sepia, black and white, solarize and negative. The Motorola Ming's camera functions also boast of an auto white balance system and are quite accurate for most situations. What works exceptionally good is the macro mode, for when taking pictures at close proximities. As one might expect, the unit also has a dedicated camera button that is accessible even with the Motorola Ming's flip cover closed.
Aside from the Motorola Ming's photo capabilities, the camera can also capture videos at resolutions from 128 x 96 pixels to as much as 176 x 44. The more memory you have, the longer video clips you can record. With this regard the microSD expansion slot will be quite handy.
Going through your collection of videos and photos are a cinch with the Motorola Ming's very capable and user-friendly 5-way navigation pad situated at the bottom of the screen display. Videos and MP3's can be played back with the bundled RealPlayer through either the supplied headphones or via its loudspeaker. This brings us to the accessories portion of this article.
Motorola A1200 Ming Design and Accessories
Music played with the Motorola Ming sounded crisp and clear and without the clips and distortions normally associated with mobile phone playbacks, especially when listened through the loudspeakers. When using consumer headphones for better quality playback though, one would need an adaptor since the Motorola A1200 Ming does not have the standard 3.5 mm audio jack ports. Once you make a purchase for an adaptor though, the user can be assured of a beautiful and hassle free playback experience and may be worth the additional price tag.
What is under the hood of the Motorola Ming is complemented by it's beautiful and sleek exterior. While the front features the aforementioned transparent, plastic yet sturdy flip cover, the Motorola Ming is encased in a soft, rubber compound. This compound is especially designed for maximum grip and also renders the unit virtually scratch resistant. Chrome accents are present as with the sides, hinges and the back of the earpiece. Looking at the back of the Motorola Ming, the chrome accent is extended with the camera lens being enveloped in chrome too. At the back you will also find the stylus silo. And speaking of the stylus, it is just the right weight (not too light like most) and feels tough. At the lower part of the Motorola Ming's back is where the loudspeaker is situated.
Motorola A1200 Ming Features
- Weight: 122 g
- Width: 51.7 mm
- Height: 95.7 mm
- Thickness: 21.5 mm
- Network: 2G (GSM 850 / 900 / 1900)
- Screen Resolution: TFT Touchscreen with handwriting recognition, 256k colors, 240 x 320 pixels, 36 x 44 mm
- Data: GPRS Class 10 (4 + 1/3 + 2 slots) 32 – 48 kbps, Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, miniUSB
- Connectivity: Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, miniUSB
- Web Browser: WAP 2.0, xHTML, HTML, Opera
- Music: MP3, MP4, AAC+
- Camera: 2.0 mega pixel, 1600 x 1200 pixels, QCIF Video
- Messaging: SMS, EMS, Email, Instant messaging
- Expansion Slot: microSD (TransFlash)
- Tones: Polyphonic(40 Channels), MP3, Vibrating alert, downloads
- Software Features: Linux Operating System, Java MIDP 2.0
- Other Features: Picsel document viewer, photo editor, built in hands free, games
- Battery: Standard Battery, Li-Ion 850 mAh (BT50), Up to 4 hours talk time, Up to 200 hours stand by time
PROS: Although not popular with many people, the Linux operating system is one of the most user friendly interfaces available today and is a nice inclusion in the Motorola Ming's package. Customization capabilities such as wallpapers, although not as important as the main functions of the phone is very attractive. The stylus on this unit also works great as it does not fall on the trap of most models equipping their units with styluses that are either to light or too short, or both.
CONS: The camera on the Motorola Ming although very capable at 2.0 mega pixels is less than what one might expect from a smart phone, especially with competitors equipping their smart phones with more camera capabilities, with some going as much as 5.0 mega pixels.
Overall: If you are the business type who still knows how to have fun and want to project a very unique individuality, then the Motorola A1200 Ming is the perfect smart phone for you. Young urban professionals will especially delight in its useful “work†functions and enjoy the fun side of the Motorola Ming during lax hours.