AddyA

Hello everyone.

I've read all the replies here. It started off clear, but as more people added their advice and opinions things got a little confusing. I don't get out in the sun every day, and when I do, I tend to cover up simply because I'm a mosquito magnet, for some reason.

I would like to take vitamin D3 2000 IU per day with K2. The trouble is, I can't seem to fathom what the ideal IU is for K2. Every bottle mixes up the amounts, which makes it very difficult to know. 

Any suggestions from the better-imformed greatly appreciated ;).
 

Thanks, everybody, for all your valuable contributions here. I was surprised to get so much feedback, but it was a welcome surprise nonetheless.
 

I better understand the prices and shopping channels now, thanks to Retiree and a couple of others. I semi-reluctantly opened an account with Lazada and ordered the Kindle Paperwhite 2021, 32GB (Gen 11) without ads.
 

I probably didn't need the 32GB, but what the heck? It's better to have a bit too much space than too little. I've used about two-thirds of my 8GB on the old model, which is seven years old.
 

Anyway, I pressed the order button, so it's done now ????

40 minutes ago, retiree said:

So, let's see.  US prices for 8gb PaperWhite 11th are $140 / $160 = 5,027 / 5,745 THB = ads / no ads.  On this LazMall site: 

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/all-new-kindle-paperwhite-2021-832-gb-gen-11-68-worm-white-i3102399787-s12836518857.html?

they range from 5,769 (ads / 7-day guarantee) to 8,699 (no ads / 1-year guarantee).  Some are out of stock, as you mentioned. 

 

I'd guess that the 7-day guys are store demos, returns, rebuilt, etc.   Other details that can affect prices are grossly inflated shipping costs (more common on Amazon, I think; this particular site has free shipping).   A few useful terms to know: 

  มีโฆษณา  with ads
  ไม่มีโฆษณา  no ads
  ประกัน 7 วัน   7 day guarantee 
  ประกัน 1 ปี    1 year guarantee

 

Bottom line is that the market is pretty competitive & efficient.   In my experience the best legitimate prices in Thailand for relatively costly or brand-name electronic goods usually turn out to be a little bit higher than the best [Amazon + VAT + legit shipping] price.  

 

The exception is more generic / lower cost / made-in-China stuff, which is usually cheaper from China via Lazada or Shopee.    

-- Retiree 

Thanks again, Retiree.
 

The difference is in the details, and to be honest, I didn't even acknowledge the ประกัน 7 วัน และ ประกัน 1 ปี (guarantees). Your post also forced me to check out the other Thai-only details. I can see that the cheaper option also includes ads (มีโฆษณา) whereas the costlier models do not (ไม่มีโฆษณา). That's not in English, either.
 

I guess it's a simple case of getting what you pay for and/or want. On that note, it looks like the Kindle Paperwhite 2021, 32GB (Gen 11) without ads, is about as good as it gets: shorturl.at/blux2 

I wasn't sure if I needed 32GB, but I just checked the available space on my 7th generation Kindle. It has 2.65 GB remaining of 8GB. So I'm guessing the 32GB will keep me going until I pop my socks, so that'll be my choice ????
 

Cheers, buddy.

3 hours ago, IAMHERE said:

About five years back my PaperWhite malfutioned with the charger hole while under warranty. Amazon sent me a replacement, here to Pattaya. So, maybe they do send Kindles to Thailand.

Yes they do, I found that some sellers are willing to ship to Thailand ;)

42 minutes ago, mjakob007 said:

you can order on central application. 

Thank you, mjakob007, that's another option. I would imaging Central Online would be a guaranteed reputable seller. 

1 hour ago, retiree said:

Powerbuy sells this item in partnership with "Mac Modern" (they do a lot of this sort of thing), and their site says 3-5 day delivery.  Mac Modern is online only; Chrome will translate the page if needed: 

https://macmodern.co.th/รายละเอียดสินค้า/12294317706 

I just called Mac Modern, and they assured me that the PaperWhite gen 11 is in stock. 

 

Re dodgy sellers on Amazon; yep, you have to comparison shop esp. if overseas delivery is limited.  Same with Lazada / Shopee -- I try to go with the "Laz Mall" or similar sellers.  

 

Re Lazada (and lesser Shopee), you have to beware that even if you asked for a domestic source, the seller page may say "preorder" 20 or 30 days.  This means they are just drop-shipping from China (for some reason most Kindle Oasis cases are like this).  I've never lost money on these orders, but I have had some cancelled after waiting 3 or 4 weeks.

 

Finally, re stuck pixels, no idea if this is available for Kindles, but there is such a thing as a stuck pixel tool for regular screens.  These should be free, and can actually work. 

 

Happy reading,

--Retiree 

Great responses; thank you very much, Retiree ????

My bright light seems to be a physical problem rather than an electronic one. I can see a crack behind the screen. It wasn't there on Monday, so something must have happened.

I've never shopped online with any of the stores mentioned here, but there are some interesting prices.

The Macmodern sells the Gen11 32GB for 9,900 THB and the 8GB for 7,500 THB. 

I then checked Lazada, DPKANKAN.

Lazada sells the Gen11 32GB for 7,999 THB and the 8GB for 5,799 THB (the latter is out of stock). 

I then checked Shopee.

Shopee sells the Gen11 32GB for 8,550 THB and the 8GB for 6,490 THB. 

The price differences between the three are considerable. Someone's either making very little profit or a very handsome return. Maybe the seller who buys the most stock gets the most discount, hence the lower prices. If the products are all genuine (and brand new), then I guess it pays to go with the cheapest, unless there are hidden costs I haven't spotted.

Anyway, it's nice to see there are choices. I'll hang on until after the weekend to see if any latecomers here have an unwanted Gen11 to sell. If not, I will bite the bullet and opt for a new one ????

36 minutes ago, CMBob said:

My first generation Kindle died 3-4 years ago and, after doing a bit of googling, decided to replace it with a Samsung tablet.  Really happy with it, it's backlit and easy to read, and, after downloading the free Kindle app, performs as well or better for daily reading than the Kindle I had.  Plus, it's essentially a computer (which, frankly, I typically only use when traveling).  Just my view but I see no reason to ever buy only a Kindle in the future.

Yes, but your tablet will have backlighting, and I would imagine a much shorter battery life than a Kindle? For me, it's the insane battery life (2+ months), e-ink, and the unique lighting that illuminates that electronic ink that attracted me to the Kindle. And none of that has changed.

25 minutes ago, HarrySeaman said:

Put a piece of non-see through white tape over the bright dot and keep enjoying reading on your 5th gen. Kindle.

It's not that tiny, and a bit of paper would be equally distracting—for me. The only thing that should be on a screen is whatever is supposed to be on that screen.  OK, it's possible to learn to live with most things, but if one doesn't have to, then why even try ????

43 minutes ago, dddave said:

The Kindles sold by "World Import" on Lazada are usually the least expensive.  The Kindles are sourced from Kindle, Japan and are 100% legit.  Mine arrived in Jomtien in 3 days.

After years with a 5th gen PW, I am really enjoying the PW11.  The slight additional size really makes a difference. 

Thank you, DDDave ????

18 minutes ago, Dmaxdan said:

OP, out of interest, have you tried turning down the brightness of the backlight on your kindle to see if the spec of light becomes less noticable?

I have, and it remains constant, like a bright star on a cloudless night. But thanks for the suggestion ????

4 minutes ago, Bill97 said:

Dodgy sellers reported on Amazon too.  Where are there none?

Yes, I'm sure you're right, Bill97. But top Amazon sellers tend to have thousands of reviews and a high-star rating. Even so, I still prefer to buy in the real-world. There's just something reassuring about being able to see, touch, and test a thing prior to purchase. And it's also super-convenient if you need to return it for whatever reason. 

1 minute ago, sanuk711 said:

Have you tried to reset the Kindle AddyA ?..... Most of my friends have had different problems and a reset has fixed it. Its a 30 second job.

Thanks, Sanuk711, but I just noticed a definite crack in the screen. What's strange, is that it's a crack on the inside as the outside is totally smooth. I don't recall banging or dropping the thing, but something must have happened ????

44 minutes ago, retiree said:

Uh, I got a Kindle Oasis from Amazon USA last year; took about a week. 

And as far as I can see department stores in Thailand do sell current models of Oasis and Paperwhite (and say they'll deliver in a few days), e.g.: 

https://www.powerbuy.co.th/en/catalogsearch/result?q=kindle 

 

Fwiw the Oasis is crazy expensive but turns out to be great imho.  

-- Retiree

From what I can see, Retiree, the bricks-and-mortar stores only accept online orders for Kindles, which means they don't carry the stock. That said, I believe you can go in and collect the item when it arrives at the shop. I just found the Kindle Paperwhite Gen11th on Power Buy, but it seems a little pricey at 9,000 THB for the 8 GB + ads model. I will have no option but to order online if I can't find a local store than stocks them. But I won't rush just in case someone reading here knows otherwise, or has one to sell as an unwanted gift.

25 minutes ago, Boomer6969 said:

Totally reliable: Lazada.

 

Thanks Boomer, but it's got to be a secondhand model 5 at that price. The average costs is around 8,0000 THB for 8GB. I prefer to buy new when it comes to electronics. I haven't ruled Lazada out, though, it's just that I'm a tad wary about reports of dodgy sellers on there.

3 minutes ago, foreverlomsak said:

I have been looking at the possibility of replacing my Kindle, and both Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com state that they do not deliver to Thailand.

Years ago B2S in Central World Bangkok appeared to be the only source in Thailand, I managed to obtain mine through a friend who bought them in the UK and hand carried them here. 

Thanks for your response.  There are some sellers on Amazon UK that ship to Thailand, but it takes a couple of weeks. I did look at B2S, but they're older models at latest model prices.

It's strange that you can't just go to the electronics departments of a major stores and buy them like you would a tablet. Lazada seems reasonable, but I've been hearing a lot about dodgy sellers and products on there of late. I don't know if such claims are true or not, but it does make one wary.

Good morning, Chiang Mai.
 

I turned on my Kindle paperwhite last night to be greeted by an ultra-bright spec of light on the the screen. I don't know what happened, but it looks like it's there to stay. And it's not comfortable reading it with that light twinkling in the corner, so I need a replacement.
 

I'm pretty sure that Kindles (unlike tablet PCs) are only available online. But maybe someone here knows otherwise, hence this message. I have found a few bricks-and-mortar stores that advertise the latest Kindle models. However, it looks as though they also order them online on your behalf. If that's the case, it might be cheaper for me to order directly from Amazon.
 

Alternatively, if anyone reading here got a Kindle Paperwhite 11th generation as an unwanted gift, please send me a message if you want to sell it.
 

Thank you.

15 hours ago, talahtnut said:

Never had insurance, I just take

the cheap way out and die.

It's a valid point. For example, not everyone wants to be revived after a severe stroke or life-changing accident. Imagine relying on other people to spoon-feed you and wipe your backside for the rest of your days. I would imagine insurance would also be cheaper if you factored that into the policy. I mean, a clause that instructs hospitals not to revive you if it would mean you're permanently incapacitated and need wet nursing 24/7.

On 8/20/2022 at 10:17 AM, scorecard said:

"I don't have any children and I would not necessarily want my next of kin making any arrangements." 

 

So make a simple will, you can easily find simple templates on the WWW for guidance about the overll format. in your case perhaps the content you include could be;

1). Distribution of your assets.

2). your wishes re your funeral/cremation etc.

3). Who should be informed of your passing in your home country (and in Thailand), and include as much current detail you can about address, telephone no, e.mail address of family abroad.

BUT REMEBERING THAT THE CONTENT OF YOUR WILL IS TOTALLY UP TO YOU AND NOT ACCORDING TO THE SUGGESTED SUBJECTS THAT YOU MIGHT FIND ON A BASIC WILL TEMPLATE.

 

None of the above is complicated, doesn't really take much time to complete and it's doesn't need lawyer English.

 

It can be prepared as a Word document or it can be hand written.

 

Just ensure it's properly signed, witnessed and dated, and the executor is named in the will, and ensure the executor/family etc., have a copy of the will. 

 

NOTE: Some will try to tell you the will must be prepared by a lawyer - NOT TRUE.

and some will try to tell you the will must be registered (E.G. at the local amphur office) - AGAIN NOT REQUIRED AT ALL. 

Great advice, Scorecard.
 

Unless you have a very complex estate, there's no need to complicate anything.
 

I've already prepared my document, which also includes an advanced decision. It sits on my music stand, so it's impossible to miss. It tells authorities/hospitals how to proceed if I have a terrible accident or severe illness like a stroke or heart attack. I think this is important if you're unable to communicate. It takes the stress and upset away from someone else having to make critical decisions on your behalf.
 

I initially included the distribution of assets. However, a lawyer told me that there is no guarantee such a wish will be carried out. It's much easier to hand everything over to a named individual and let them sort stuff out... he said. Well, I'm not married and don't have any kids (that I know of). So I don't care what happens to my stuff when I'm gone. People can walk in and take whatever they want, as far as I'm concerned. That said, it would be nice to think it went to poorer folks who'd appreciate the items than a bunch greedy vultures.
 

Your post reminds me that I must get the document updated, countersigned, and witnessed.  

No one knows if COVID infections would change if everyone wore a face mask..... or do they?

A while back, I asked if there was such a thing as an expert on cloth mask efficacy. Unfortunately, there weren't any responses in this forum, which made me think no one had the answers. So I remained open to being swayed either way. But I did wonder why the debate continued to rage on if the proof was indisputable. I think it's because the opinions of "experts" are just that.... opinions. And none of them have actually run scientific PPE tests to prove their case. 
 
Then I came across a guy called Stephen Petty (B.S.Ch.E. M.S.Ch.E. M.B.A.) a few days back. It seems that he's a certified industrial hygienist and an expert on hazardous particulates. By that, I mean he tests the effectiveness of all kinds of PPE in every environmental situation. It's part of his job description. So there is an expert in this field, after all.
 
I now have my answer, but I have no intention of starting a debate as my mind is finally made up. But anyone still on the fence—as I was—might want to watch Petty go through his real-world scientific data at a USA public hearing. He may change your thoughts, or he may not, but it is healthy to listen to all sides of a dispute, right? It's the only way to make informed decisions.

I've been using Dashalne free for years without isssues.

@poppysdad It's always helpful to have and use a credit card. You never know when you might need it. Plus, it will help you maintain a healthy credit score.

Get someone at your UK correspondence address to send you a UK sim card. Then, pop the sim into a dual-SIM mobile. That's it; there's your UK number in Thailand. 

Are you sure about the landline? I think 20-30% of UK households don't even bother with them anymore. Ask them to call you on your mobile instead. Either that or have someone at the correspondence address take the call for you. After all, it will only be a 10-second call to confirm the number on the application.

21 minutes ago, FriendlyFarang said:

Some things you want to consider, besides of just image quality:

 

Do you plan to record audio? How do you record it? If you attach a microphone to such a camera they are no longer waterproof.

The cheapest alternative would be to connect a lavalier microphone mounted inside your helmet to your smartphone and record the audio there, you will then of course have to combine video and sound in post production.

 

While buying a 256GB+ SD card to record a full day in one go is easy, take into consideration that the batteries don't last very long, and if you plan to record a full day you need quite a few of them. Alternatively you would have to use a power bank, or run a cord to a charging port on your bike, this does of course mean that the camera is no longer water proof.

 

Does the camera offer an easy way to see your battery percentage without having to take off you helmet every time, so you know when to swap them?

If you plan to start/stop recording throughout the day, is it easy to start/stop recording with helmet on and gloves, also is the recording indicator easy to see/hear?

Excellent points, thank you, FF. I don't plan to record audio, but I'd better factor that in, just in case there are times when I wish I had. I've read about short battery life. One of my bikes has a USB port, but that would mean a cable from the helmet to the dash, which sounds a tad awkward. Perhaps a memory bank is a better alternative than carrying around a bunch of batteries? 
 

As for the rain, I tend to go on trips with little chance of bad weather. And I certainly wouldn't be riding and recording in a downpour.
 

Some really good tips there, FF, so thanks for taking the time to post them ????

9 minutes ago, FriendlyFarang said:

What you say is correct. the Sony was released 6 years ago and did cost 400 USD, the GoPro Hero 10 is a current model and costs 500 USD.

Back then the Sony was actually impressive, it took GoPro a few years to beat it.

A second hand Sony might still be an option, depending on the budget. If budget doesn't matter one can of course just go with the current gen GoPro.

I think the current major alternatives to a GoPro come from Insta360 (Their 360 camera is basically the standard, but they also have a "regular" action camera) and DJI, so these are the cameras you want to compare if you are looking for a current generation camera.

Thanks, FF, that's useful ????

2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I opted away from a helmet cam, one big reason, can be nasty in an accident, i.e. Michael Schumacher 

Life without some risk would result in a pretty futile existence; I would imagine, scubascuba3. The risk of dying in a motorcycle accident is at least 57 greater than dying in a car accident, and that's if you're fully kitted up. Yet still we do it, like we climb mountains, jump out of airplanes, rock climb, ad infinitum. All we can do is exercise best practices to mitigate those risks. So, I personally wouldn't avoid the helmet cam in the highly unlikely event it's going to kill me. But each to their own ????