dwoon

Opps.... yeah... you might be right. I'm in Singapore and the LG2X was only launched here like 4 weeks ago.

I figure it should reach Thailand soon.

I was eyeing the Galaxy S2 .... but somehow, it never got launched & there's no news on when its coming here. With the LG available (plus the fact that my local telco plan was up for a new subsidised subscription), LG O2X it was........

But LG Optimus 2X is not sold here yet, is it?

Also, Wellcom might offer the best bang for the baht but it's not the same as being the best phone.

With tech news from the West buzzing with Galaxy S2 and that super thin LG it's hard to get excited by Nexus which is about half a year late here, but I don't think there are any real alternatives in Thai shops right now.

My Galaxy S is on a modified Hardcore's kernel K13e. (Insane kernel). It is not really fast till overclocked. Even then, from stock quadrant score of about 980, this will get me till about 1500 only. Even on overclock to 1200Mhz, the batt will take a bad hit. OCLF is not compatible with Hardcore's K13e kernel.

My Galaxy Tab is flashed with "Overcome" kernel & ROM. On overclok to 1200Mhz & at "performance" setting in SetCPU app, I get quadrant scores of about 2400. It is definitely faster than my Galaxy S.... but unfortunately, there's no "Overcome" version of the kenel nor ROM for the Galaxy S. Its only for the Tab.

For my LG Optimus 2X, it's still in stock form. Just running the quadrant app...... the score I get is about 2700. It is very noticeable that the speed & smoothness is much better than even the 2 hacked & tweaked Galaxy devices. (Can't wait for Gingerbread release and for some expert to come up with a stable kernel & ROM.... this dual core will fly past 3000 easily)

What do you propose as the best Android phone at the moment?

Sorry for butting in.......... you might want to check out the LG Optimus 2X. It runs really fast in stock form w/o any hacking and mods. its still on Froyo 2.2.... but its really fast. Onlt down side is the batt drain which is pretty bad.

Anyway, I'll be heading for Phuket (Mai Khao & Khao Lak) in about a month from now and am checking up on the feasibility of getting 3G data services in that area. if you should know anything, appreciate if you can feedback.

Thanks

If you do the "One Click Lag Fix" on any variant of the Galaxy S it will get a quadrant standard score of 1,800 or over. The lag fix doubles the performance of the phone. It is easy to apply to rooted phones. Just download OCLF 2.0 from the Android Market and follow the directions.

Thanks for your feedback.

At those reasonable prices, they are definitely worth a try. (If they don't work or there's no coverage where I'll be going, the loss is affordable)

Hmmm.... aren't Thai SIMs they same size as international standards? Do they need cutting? I intend to bring my ipad, but if the SIM could fit into my Galaxy S or Tab, then I can do a wireless tethering to the ipad and save the trouble of SIM cutting.

Thanks for your feedback. Any form of wireless internet would be fine as I'm not doing any gaming or large data up/downlaods. More for reading of email messages and some light web browing.

I was going through the True Telco webby and it's data plans does include EDGE/GPRS, apart from wifi & 3G.

But their coverage map does not tell me muc about exactly where their EDGE services cover.

Now that 850Mhz might be a stopper.... lemme check out whether my arsenal of gadgets( that can do wireless tethering) accept that frequency.

Cheers

Need some advise on the prepaid SIM card.

I'll be visiting Phuket (Khao Lak) soon and was wondering if it made sense to get a prepaid SIM so that I can use 3G/HSPDA services on my smartphone.

Can anyone advise whether AIS or DTAC prepaid SIM cards supports data services? And also if there is data coverage for Phuket/Khao Lak.

Thanks for the feedback.

True 3G has coverage there(Phuket). What is more important is if your phone is compatible with the signal. True 3G is on 850MHz.

Just notice that you mentioned Khao Lak. Forget about 3G there. It's only on the west coast of Phuket.

Perhaps you should look at EDGE access.

If you are not bothered about 3G, just use the SIM with the best coverage. Both the True SIM and the HAPPY SIM are a mere 49 baht at 7/11 or Family Mart. So you can buy one of each. Also, a standard Happy Internet SIM costs a mere 69 baht and comes with between 5 and 10 hours access. These can be cut to size in a mobile phone shop.

Thanks so much for your advise. Will check those out when I'm there.

Cheers

Anyway, I'll be heading for Phuket (Mai Khao & Khao Lak) in about a month from now and am checking up on the feasibility of getting 3G data services in that area. if you should know anything, appreciate if you can feedback.

Thanks

TrueMove may have 3G service in that area of phuket; check a retailer 3g map to confirm. Unlimited 3g for 650 baht (fair use).

Cat CDMA also, but you'd have to purchase a separate usb or mifi device. One of my friends said make sure you get the postpaid account, not prepaid (even if you prepay). That makes a difference in speed.

I think wireless wise, those are your two options.

Thanks for your feedback. Any form of wireless internet would be fine as I'm not doing any gaming or large data up/downlaods. More for reading of email messages and some light web browing.

I was going through the True Telco webby and it's data plans does include EDGE/GPRS, apart from wifi & 3G.

But their coverage map does not tell me muc about exactly where their EDGE services cover.

Now that 850Mhz might be a stopper.... lemme check out whether my arsenal of gadgets( that can do wireless tethering) accept that frequency.

Cheers

Need some advise on the prepaid SIM card.

I'll be visiting Phuket (Khao Lak) soon and was wondering if it made sense to get a prepaid SIM so that I can use 3G/HSPDA services on my smartphone.

Can anyone advise whether AIS or DTAC prepaid SIM cards supports data services? And also if there is data coverage for Phuket/Khao Lak.

Thanks for the feedback.

True 3G has coverage there(Phuket). What is more important is if your phone is compatible with the signal. True 3G is on 850MHz.

Just notice that you mentioned Khao Lak. Forget about 3G there. It's only on the west coast of Phuket.

Perhaps you should look at EDGE access.

What do you propose as the best Android phone at the moment?

Sorry for butting in.......... you might want to check out the LG Optimus 2X. It runs really fast in stock form w/o any hacking and mods. its still on Froyo 2.2.... but its really fast. Onlt down side is the batt drain which is pretty bad.

Anyway, I'll be heading for Phuket (Mai Khao & Khao Lak) in about a month from now and am checking up on the feasibility of getting 3G data services in that area. if you should know anything, appreciate if you can feedback.

Thanks

I'm heading to phuket (mai khao & Khao lah) and thought of getting a prepaid 3G data plan for my week's stay. Any idea if these out of the way places can get data signal?

Will be having my galaxy S & Tab with me. Appreciate if you could update once you find out which telco offers 3G data service for the Tab.

As for your rooting & flashing..... I'd recommend your try the "Overcome" kernel + ROM. I did mine about a week back and the Tab is functioning so much better. (I use overclock & under volt to get the performance while balancing the battery drain)

Cheers

Thanks lomotapo!!! Im rooted!!!

It worked - But not as seamless as the vid showed

Need some advise on the prepaid SIM card.

I'll be visiting Phuket (Khao Lak) soon and was wondering if it made sense to get a prepaid SIM so that I can use 3G/HSPDA services on my smartphone.

Can anyone advise whether AIS or DTAC prepaid SIM cards supports data services? And also if there is data coverage for Phuket/Khao Lak.

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm afraid the Haw Par Villas theme park closed down many many years ago....... you can still go there to visit as there's a restaurant inside the premise. Not sure what is still accessible though.

Be careful when shopping at Lucky Plaza as there's many cases of over-charging of tourists. You can get better deals elsewhere anyway.

Sim Lim Square for electronic goods.... but just be careful and check the receipt carefully before you part with your money. There's heaps of shops selling almost the same stuff.... so best to check out a few before commiting.

7 days is just about right, depending on what one intends to do. There's the new Casino & theme park, Zoo & Nght Safari, Bird Park and such.... but be prepared for prices that are not exactly cheap.

Again, be careful when at Newton circus hawker food.... ask for prices before you order...... similarly at eateries that do not exhibit prices clearly (but check anyway as there's a couple of bad eggs around)

Any specfic things you might want to do, let me know and I'll try my best to advise.

I would recommend a visit to Haw Pa Villas, with its illustrations of the 10 circles of hel_l. It hasn't changed much in 45 years, when my wife was growing up there (her dad was in the British Army).

It might sound a bit dull and Disney it ain't, but it's well worth seeing, IMHO. Take 2-3 hours to wander round.

Parrot fish is actually a delicacy in asia.

We usually steam it and the meat is very smooth and sweet. You'll notice that the bones are coloured green or blue.

Even the poisonuous puffer fish is a delicacy with proper preparation......

Can some one advise where in Phuket town?

I've been here 2 days and I've not seen any for sale yet.

Neither on the streets or at shopping centres like Jungceylon or Central Festival.

Thanks

Hi,

I'll be arriving on Saturday afternoon. Straight after checking into the hotel, I'd like to buy buy some fireworks so that I can set them off during the night. (to usher in the Chinese New Year).

Can anyone advise where exactly i can buy them? (addrress would be appreciated rather just a general description of the place)

Also, does anyone know if the Chines New Year is widely celebrated in Phuket? (I know Samui does as I was there last CNY). If so, can anyone advise where to catch the action? (lion & dragon dances, etc)

Cheers.

I hate to think of the various bank notes coming out of Northern Ireland. Seems like each bank there prints their own.

yes, I brought my friends to Bangla road

Overall parking was around 5.5 hours. So I really don't know how the hourly charges are worked out.

What was annoying was that Jungceylon had already closed for the day and I couldn't find any access to the basement carpark from the front...... had to walk thru' the rear using the car's route.

What was shocking was Jungceylon's parking. I remember it was free like 1.5 years ago...... I had to pay 140 bahts yesterday.

If you spend 100 baht in any shop, show receipt, get 3 hours free parking. You must have been there many hours to pay 140 baht ??

Well, it's quite handy for Bangla Road...

Yup, paid 20 bahts for about 30 mins parking.

What was shocking was Jungceylon's parking. I remember it was free like 1.5 years ago...... I had to pay 140 bahts yesterday.

Thanks all for the feedback.

Than ks for the feedback. Will give it try later today.....

Cheers.

Can you kindly advise the short trerm rate? Or its per entry charging once past the grace period?

Dun wanna be charged 200 bahts for parking an hour there to pick up a friend.

Thanks alot

Does anyone have any feedback on the Tharmachart Restaurant in Phuket City? I've read reviews that this is a place for good food at reasonable prices. (plus the out of wack ambience).

Appreciate if someone can advise.

Cheers.

You might want to check with AP Car rent to see if they give better deals.

I'll be my 3rd time renting from them coming 20th June (each time for a week).

Just for comparison, I'll be paying 750 bahts/day for a Vios (7 days rental)

http://phuketdir.com/apcarrent/index.htm

Hi folks!

Do you know anything about the general prices of car rental in Phuket? I mean if they are on the same national level as other less touristy places.

I got a Toyota Hilux Tiger recently in Hua-hin for 18000/month and if I shopped around for longer I would get it for 15000 with no problem.

All the websites in Phuket quote around 25000/month for this type of car (or maybe I just can't find the right one ), so I'm just wondering if it's more expensive because it's in Phuket or because it's in the internet?

Is the price 15-18k for a car this type possible in Phuket, or I'd better rent it in BKK and drive? (I'm landing in BKK anyway...)

I'm looking for a car for a month or two....

Any advice will be appreciated

What are the symptoms for it?

I had little red spots (including my palms & soles of the feet) all over my body which took 5 days to go off. The 1st 4 days I was running a fever which seemed to go up & down (never dangeriously high though ~ 39deg). At the same time, my bones ached but it was not at the joints. (arms)

The bone ache lasted some 6 months or so (on & off) and I was taking paracetamol as and when required.

Till today, I'm not sure if I had got Chikungunya as I never did a blood test. (That was a year ago)

Could I have contracted it? For people who had it before, would they be immune to it in the future?

Hi I am just coming to my 4th day with this horrible virus, Chikungunya.

I keep hearing different reports about how long the aches last etc..

So far I feel better then the 2nd day which was hellish. I will forever have sympathy for people who live in constant pain from arthritis etc. I could barely walk and am still not 100%. I was doing yoga 2.5 months up to this point to improve my muscles and joints .. but now that is on hold, for who knows how long..

Some people say the symptoms last a month!! OH NO

Just wondering if anyone else has stories........ besides the sensation Gazette one...

By the way I went to Dr Chusak in Kata who says he has been seeing quite a few people with this, obviously not mentioned in the statistics in the Gazette article.

Thanks for the feedback. At least I know there's 95 benzene available, so I won't need to lug along 20 ltrs of toluene. Those off the shelf octane boosters will probably do the trick.

Is it possible to get 95RON petrol in Phuket? (Not the 95 gasohol).

most of the Shell station have V-power = 95 petrol/benzine.

Sorry to go off topic.....

Is it possible to get 95RON petrol in Phuket? (Not the 95 gasohol).

Planning a drive trip there beginning of next year which my car can only take min 97RON petrol. (Else I'll need to lug toluene along to mix)

Thanks

Yes, I second that.

Mai Khao is really very far from anything. But then again, depends very much on what the TS wants. If the idea of a holiday is to stay 80% of the time in the resort, then it might be alright. I stay are Marriott's Phuket Beach Club and to get to Patong, its a good 40 min drive. There's nothing nearby..... Even Cape Panwa is not as isolated and has some shops......

Samui is nice too... but more of a different flavour. Its alot more under developed and the roads are really very poor. If chilling and appreciating nature is what one is looking for, then Samui would be good. (There's nothing to shop for in Samui and the biggest shopping centre can be covered in half an hour)

If its a first time visit, then more advisable to stay at the edge of Patong. Not so noisy & rowdy and more suitable for families with younger kids....... but still close enough to get to the action. (my personal opinion).

Thanks all for the feedback.

Hope I can find some when I'm there next month.

Cheers.