[msandiej]

Shoot, I think we need a thread about HOW to buy a Ming. Some people seem to be getting ripped off or getting something they dont want.

I think all the high level folks should chip in with their thoughts on this.

Here's my advice.
(Mind you, this is advice...not a demand. Dont gripe at me if you dont agree.)

1) If possible, buy it in person. I know thats hard, especially if you're in the US, as it isnt offered here.

2) Don't buy off EBay. If you find one on Ebay, make sure the seller has a seperate online store.

3) If you DO buy off Ebay, have the seller send you PHOTOS of the a) box, b) the contents, c) the manual. Make sure you see the Moto sticker on the box. Make sure that the seller takes a photo of the serial label too...and look to see what version of the phone it is.

4) Versions! There are 4 versions of the phone. A1200/A1200R/A1200I/A1200E. Research to find the differences before you find the phone so you know what you're getting.

(I have a straight A1200 and an R. The R is a C2 track phone, which I prefer. The straight A1200 has volume issues that needs pretty extensive mods to make it work. Even though I converted to C2 on the straight, the volume problem is challenging to resolve.)

5) Make sure the phone has all the correct info on the casing (look at photos). Obviously, the hinge should say MOTOROLA, not MOTONOLA or BUSINESS PDA. But the back of the phone should have a bluetooth logo and the FM radio logo. There should also be a silver metal M inset on the back. Both side button bars should also say Motorola.

Hey listen, even if you have to pay a few extra bucks to buy from a retailer, as opposed to an Ebay seller, for the love of all that is holy, do it. Avoiding things like fakes and refurbs makes it worth it.

[jose medina]

yeah i notice people are buyig some jack up mings with all this problems but people always wanna save money and get rip off

[nodramachicks]

There ARE a few (at least) reputable sellers on eBay, I went that route because you couldn't get a MING anywhere else in AZ. If you DO decide to eBay it, check out the sellers feedback, TAKE the time to read thru it, you are less likely to get ripped off or get a bogus MING if your seller has HIGH positive feedback and has sold a GREAT deal of mobile products (not shoes and the like). If you are in the states and want to get a MING from a brick and mortar location I would suggest Wireless Toyz(www.wirelesstoyz.com) , there relatively expensive but you KNOW you are getting legitimate product.

[msandiej]

TigerDirect offers the Ming for $279. I bought one of mine here and it was the A1200R...the better of the two I have. Just an idea...

[PaulF]

I hope you are not too late. My phone shipped from an eBay seller today. There was an article in Wired about open source phones so I just ordered one before I even found this site.

Isn't selling counterfeit branded products illegal in the US? I get slightly suspicious when rumors like this start. Especially when someone says buy from this guy to be safe. I am anxious to see what I will get.

[nodramachicks]

I don't think either myself OR MSANDIEJ were saying "buy from this guy" what we both did was give advise based on our personal purchasing experiences.

[digitalD]

And... if you browse around the site enough.. you would know these two guys are 100% authentic motorolafans helping members the best way they can...

[csillag]

How about Smart-Mobile-Gadgets.com, operated by TBFB, one of the moderators here? You all agree that it's totally safe, right?

[msandiej]

I wouldnt have any issues buying from Smart-Mobile-Gadgets. They are reputable.

Thanks nodrama and digital...this is true. We arent saying DONT or DO buy from any source...alll we're saying is make sure that whoever you do buy from, research it! There is less research involved when buying from a retailer.

As far as the legalities...Technically, yes, it is illegal to sell a counterfeit item. But, it depends on HOW it is advertised. Most of these people know how to work the system. If you see an ad on Ebay and it had photos of a phone that says MOTOROLA, and what you get is a MOTONOLA, that is illegal...but if they never put the word Motorola, or imply in any way that it is a genuine device, you can get jacked.

A phone that LOOKS like a Motorola, but says something else on it is not a counterfeit. A counterfeit MUST look exactly like the original...including the logos. Those are illegal no matter what they say...but that is rarely what you get. Most of the time its quite noticable that the phone is not an A1200 because of the logos. Those are basically considered "generics", not fakes. And they are 100% legal, as long as they are advertised without implying they are authentic Motorola's.

[msandiej]

Alpha...if you read this...

Whats that one you retailer you recommend? People seem to have had a lot of luck with them...

Thanks babe!