canopy

I am moving to a house without a landline in Phetchabun province. I have a desktop and a laptop that I would like to have internet access to. I plan is get a mobile with WCDMA/EDGE/GPRS and hope for the best. What is better for that area and this type usage, DTAC or AIS? Do I need extra hardware so both systems can share the internet connection off the mobile phone? Or can both connect simultaneously via bluetooth? Or is there a completely other way to go that would be better? I've read about the CAT CDMA EV-DO modem but not sure if there is CDMA there or if this modem would be of any advantage. Any advice appreciated.

I noticed a 6220 classic on the Nokia site. Is it essentially a minor update to the 6210 navigator? No price listed so I presume it is not quite available.

Besides build quality, I noticed reviewers do not like the 6210/6220 because they do not have WiFi. Does WiFi let a laptop hook up to the net through the phone where the phone acts as an access point? Or is WiFi limited to only allowing the phone hook up to the net through WiFi?

The Thai language part (not English) of the Toyota web site has the specs and pricing for the new Vigo now. The Extra Cab is by and large replaced by the Smart Cab and its 4 doors I am guessing will trigger another 5000 baht annually for license.

Are any or all GPS phones suitable for navigating while driving in Thailand? Are there any features to look for or problems that make them impractical? Are they practical for a long trip that lasts a day into the boonies or threading through Bangkok? It seems a large, dash mounted unit would be the ideal for that purpose but wondering if these phones can get the job done.

Is there a way to get a definitive answer on this? The dealer told me the vigo has limited slip. I asked because I didn't see it in the specs and now people here are indicating otherwise. Might it depend on which setup like 2wd vs 4wd?

I have searched Central World and MBK, but have not found an ergonomic chair for the office that is well made. Is there anywhere else to look? I am looking for something a little more special than the norm.

I am looking at the Vigo and I too would prefer an auto box and am also frustrated by the lack of configurability. I drove a manual for years, but to tell you the truth it seems an antiquated carry over from another era. If it was one of the modern hydraulically actuated gearboxes rather than the ancient foot pedal with hand synchronization on a lever that hasn't changed since Henry Ford's time, I would be all for it.

How do mobile phones that have GPS rate?

That's not out the door price. When I say out the door, that's taxes, registration and everything.

I am not trying to contradict, but my understanding from dealers is that price is out the door. The price sheets the dealers have are 10K higher than what the internet shows for most models (and the internet by the way specifies VAT is inclusive in the price). I asked dealer A if the prices include everything and specifically brought up tax and license and he said yes plus he will add a year of insurance and a number of extras at no cost. When I tried to pin him down on the total cost of ownership he says the only thing you have to pay for beyond the listed price over the first year is oil changes. Dealer B says she will discount 25000 off the list price. I intend to pay cash if that makes a difference. If I am in for a surprise, let me know.

Here is a pic of the 2009 hilux.

Begininng of July the Pre-Runner was 780k out the door. Don't know if that already had a discount applied or not.....

The price sheets as of now show the top end pre-runner double cab with ABS and fog lights is 749K out the door. By the way, what does pre-runner mean?

I plan to reside in a distant small village for a time and there is no phone line there. My understanding is various areas of Thailand have GPRS, EDGE, or CDMA in worst to best order. I don't know if where I am going has any of these but I want to have the most flexibility. The infamous IpStar is the worst case fallback. I don't need an internet phone, but just something to allow a PC to hookup to the net with the best speed and reliability available. What is good to look for in a phone and which ones might be a good choice? If I buy a package in Bangkok will that create any problems using it elsewhere?

I am in the market so this topic is of interest to me. Does anyone think there is any realistic chance the 2009 vigo will be available this month (August 2008)? Dealers are saying January 2009 but they are probably going to the most pessimistic on dates.

Thing that strikes me is the E model I am interested in is offered in just 2 colors! Seems kind of stingy to me.

I’d like to move to the countryside somewhere in Thailand. Phetchabun seems like it might be the right kind of place. I’d like to see the area a bit and especially any prospective houses for rent. Are there any recommendations on how to get started? Are there any foreigner meetups or anyone who might be willing to help show me a around a bit? I am a Californian, 40’s in Bangkok and can speak some conversational Thai. I would be grateful for any advice. Phetchabun sounds like a nice place, I just wish I knew someone there.

The terminology is not immigration spec, but is hopefully human readable.

Sorry for a basic question, but what would be the reasons for choosing a usufruct over a 30 year lease and vice versa? Do both give the ability to build a house and landscape?

The question that comes to mind with a 30 year lease and I suspect the usufruct as well is what if 5 years down the road one wishes to move. Is there the possibility of opting out early or are you stuck paying another 25 years for something you don't want any longer?

I wish to rent a house in Thailand and have been reading a lot in the archives about common pitfalls. I am a pretty self sufficient, adaptable country guy and wish to live out in the sticks or not too populated area, but where? Below are my criteria:

1. I like the sounds of nature from crickets to frogs, even a rooster crowing is ok. But I wish to completely avoid loud music, noisy dogs, vehicles driving by blaring their wares, village head announcements, and other such man made noises that will frankly drive me crazy.
   
2. I am a distance runner. I want to live somewhere with good air so no seasonal burning please.
   
3. I like the house with greener surroundings, not the one packed in a concrete jungle. And hopefully not all the surroundings turn brown and ugly part of the year.
   
4. Would like ample space around for privacy and the flexibility to do some gardening
   
5. 2BR house ideal, even 1BR if it is the right place. Unfurnished is fine. Basic is ok, but not shoddy with corners cut that looks bad. The more picturesque the better. Price can be more than average, but wish to avoid extreme prices with questionable value for money.
   

All of these requirements are easy to fulfill where I come from, but this is Thailand I know. Am I dreaming or do such places exist? How to go about finding them? Are there any applicable real estate web sites or other resources? I have looked through the classifieds at the top of the forum and it appears finding somewhere with a little privacy from the neighbors could be a bit of a problem.

I also welcome info on specific places you may know of becoming available soon. If you can provide promising photos, I would be obliged to hop out and have a look. I am in Bangkok for now. Anywhere is fine, though kind of hope to wind up somewhere North or Northeast. Thank you guys for not being too hard on me.