WP Theme Review: Mimbo 2.0
20 Comments November 12, 2007 3733 Views
Magazine styled WordPress themes like the Revolution are getting pretty popular these days so I decided to review another one.
The theme I’m reviewing today was created by Darren Hoyt, an experienced web designer and developer and is called the Mimbo 2.0.
Mimbo is a magazine-style Wordpress theme which makes extensive use of WP’s template tag system to create a non-traditional layout. It contains no images and only minimal CSS styling. Mainly it exists as a clean, grid-based starter layout for designers to install and style to their own liking.
Screenshot:
IMPORTANT:This theme is built to work on WordPress 2.3+. If you’re using an older version of WP, most likely you’ll encounter problems or errors which means you’ll have to upgrade your WP installation. Also, make sure you read the installation and configuration instructions before you implement this theme on your blog.
My Take:
I’m sure many WP users would like to use the Mimbo 2.0 theme not only because of it’s good design but also it’s 100% FREE. Even with its many sections and content, the main page looks organized and not clattered. Although the Mimbo 2.0 was created for online magazines or online newspapers, I don’t see why any reason why it can’t be used for a personal blog. With a few modifications and customizations here and there, I’m sure it will work.
One drawback to the Mimbo 2.0 theme is that it requires the user to edit/modify several files and lines of code before it can be used. Because of that, newbies or WP users who have little or no background in CSS or HTML would have a hard time using this theme. However, it’s possible to ask the help of a friend, a fellow blogger or maybe the theme author with the editing and modification of the theme. One more thing, sorry to disappoint widget lovers but this theme is not yet widget-ready.
EDIT:
Was just contacted by the author himself Darren Hoyt, informing me that the latest release of Mimbo 2.0 is widget ready.
Overall, I give the Mimbo 2.0 a 4 out of 5. Great job Darren and looking forward to more WP themes from you!
Preview or Download the Mimbo 2.0 theme for WordPress.
(10 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
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Hello and welcome to JaypeeOnline! My name is Jaypee Habaradas and I'm the author of this blog that talks about the latest blogging news, WordPress theme and plugin reviews, technology, gadgets and tips & tricks.
That is a nice theme and I’ve been seeing it a lot lately on many blogs recently… i.e. Paolo Mendoza @ khoops.com/blog
@FruityOaty - I’m sure a lot of bloggers would like this theme because it’s nice and also because it’s FREE!
Cool theme. Just what I wanted. ^_^ thanks!
@Euri - You’re welcome! So are you gonna use this theme for your blog?
Hey Jaypee. Nice review. Magazine style themes are really getting popular nowadays. I might even give this one a try for future projects.
Thanks for sharing the theme Jaypee.
@McBilly - Thanks man! I’m also planning to use a Magazine style theme for my next theme. Let me know when you’ve launched your project and when you’ve used this theme. You’re welcome!
I have not cared about magazine styled themes before . This is probably a good alternative to the paid theme, Revolution.
@Teejay - How about now? Do you like Magazine styled themes? It is a good alternative if you want a free theme. Revolution on the other hand is a premium theme because you get like an hour of consultation with the author and other extra stuff.
Thanks for the review, JayPee
@Darren - You’re most welcome! Thanks for dropping by!
This is definitely a top notch theme! Going to use it for a future project! THanks for the review JP.
@trench - You’re welcome! Let me know when you’ve implemented this theme, okay?
I love this theme! Got to use this on future projects!
This is tempting. Ive been wanting to rid my blog of clutter.
@benj - I see that you’ve already changed your blog’s theme/layout unless I’m too outdated that you’ve had that theme for a long time. Magazine type themes are really popular these days.
I’ve migrated to mimbo and love it - the customizing wasn’t hard, but now that 2.2 is available, updating is going to be interesting. Still, I’m sold on this, it’s what my site needed, and allows me to present relevant content as lead stories, features or top posts from a category…very flexible! I haven’t played with the colour yet, but will soon.
http://fak3r.com
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@fak3r - I assume that you have some background or basic knowledge of HTML that’s why you didn’t have any problems customizing the theme. Anyways, I dropped by your site and the theme looks good on your blog.
Just one thing though, you might want to adjust the middle column width and make it wider so the images won’t stick to the right column. Either that or your edit and make your images smaller. Just a suggestion. Thanks for the comment and for dropping by.