Author: mobile-smile.net

Description: We know we're a bit late reviewing the Motorola Ming A1200, but even we had a hard time getting it into our hands. Since it's not available with a North American carrier, and Motorola wasn't forthcoming with a review model, we had to turn to other sources. But now, almost a year since our comrades at CNET Asia gave the Ming a shakedown, we can do the same. And from what we can tell, the Linux-based handset was worth the wait. Though it ran a bit short in the feature department--there's no 3G or Wi-Fi--and its performance was occasionally sluggish, the Ming is nonetheless an intriguing smartphone. Call quality was satisfactory and the design, while certainly quirky (touch screen anyone?), is unquestionably distinctive. Without carrier rebates the Ming isn't a steal--it's $254 from Mobileplanet.com--but if you're looking for a unique smartphone that's not overwhelming, the Ming may be just the ticket. To find accessories for this phone, see our cell phone ringtones and accessories guide.

Design
Considering the avalanche of Razrs, Krzrs, and Rizrs that we've endured over the last three years, we can't tell you how enjoyable it is to review a Motorola handset that's so completely different (we also love that Moto didn't drop any vowels from the Ming's name, but that's another story). Make no mistake that the A1200 would stand out in any smartphone crowd, mostly because of its diminutive size. At 3.77 inches by 2.94 inches by 0.85 inch, it's much smaller than the Palm Centro or the RIM BlackBerry Pearl, and at 3.63 ounces it won't weigh you down. What's more, it fits comfortably in the hand and the rounded edges give it a streamlined appearance. We like the red color scheme on our review model, but it comes in a more minimalist silver hue as well.

Though the Ming is not the first smartphone to rely so heavily on a touch screen, it is one of only a few handsets we've seen to feature a protective cover. Though the cover is transparent, it has a slight gray color that gives it a sleek and futuristic look. In fact, this is the first plastic cover we've seen that so enhances a phone's overall aesthetics. It's eye-catching even in the open position, as the Ming almost looks like one of those communicator gadgets from Star Trek. It's worth noting, however, that the cover doesn't open at the touch of a button. You must open it the old-fashioned way (by using your finger), but the hinge has a sturdy construction. Some users complained of difficulty in opening the cover, but we didn't have a problem.

In another unique move, Moto stashed the earpiece/microphone in the middle of the cover. The silver disc may appear innocuous, but a closer look will show that it's connected to the phone by two thin wires. This means that, except for when you're using a headset, you must have the cover open to make or receive calls. But that wasn't a problem for us.

The Ming's touch screen measures 2.4 inches (320x240 pixels) and supports 262,000 colors. Visually rich with bright colors and graphics, the screen is a treat to use, but anyone with visual impairments should take the Ming for a test drive first. The menu font size is adjustable, but the virtual keyboard is pretty small. We had to squint when using the keyboard in the dark and at times we had trouble tapping the correct key. You can change the display's backlighting time, the wallpaper, and the color scheme, but not the brightness level.

Screen input on the A1200 is best handled through the included stylus that's stored in a slot on the back cover, though you can use your finger, as well. You can enter text via the virtual keyboard mentioned above or you can use the Ming's handwriting recognition software. The latter worked well for the most part; it recognized most of our entries accurately, and the onscreen letter suggestions and the predictive text were helpful. Also, we like that you're given two squares in which to write. You can use the handwriting recognition to enter Chinese characters--that's one feature we didn't test--and it supports Chinese-language menus, as well.

As mentioned earlier, the Ming uses a Linux-based user interface. On the home screen, you're greeted with the date, the time, and the usual battery and signal indicators. At the top of the display are four static icons that open the main menu, your contacts list, the messaging folder, and the numeric keypad for making calls. Your calendar events for that day are conveniently displayed in the middle of the screen, but you can turn that setting off if you want. Finally, at the bottom, are five shortcut icons that are user-customizable. The main menu interface is easy to understand, as well. Graphical icons represent the various functions or you can choose a standard list view.

Below the display are the only three buttons on the front of the phone: a Talk key, a select button, and the End/power control. In standby mode, you can use the select control and the Talk key to browse through your calendar events or to open one of the five menu shortcuts at the bottom of the display. Though the process isn't confusing, it is a bit tedious, so we preferred to use the stylus whenever possible. Also, like on all other cell phones, you can access your recent calls list with the Talk button. On the downside, we found it annoying that the A1200 doesn't give you one-touch access to the main menu through a button. Instead, you have to bust out the stylus and tap the main menu icon.

On the Ming's left spine are volume buttons and the traditional Motorola smart key. Besides changing the ringer profile, you also can use these controls to select icons on the main menu. There's also a headset jack on the left spine, but it's only 2.5mm, so you will need an adapter for 3.5mm headphones. On the right spine are a camera shutter and a button for activating the voice recorder (with a short tap) and the voice dialing (with a long tap). The camera lens is on the rear side of the Ming at the top. It comes with a self-portrait mirror and a Macro switch, but we were disappointed there's no flash. We also didn't like that the microSD card slot is stashed behind the battery. .
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