*How to find* farang computer doctor for Macintosh?

[Old Curmudgeon]

My Mac computer needs a thorough checkup by someone who understands OSX and who speaks English.

Think of it as an "annual physical checkup", but for computer.

 

Question here is NOT how to fix a specific problem, rather how/where to find someone in Chiang Mai vicinity who can examine, test, diagnose.

 

10-15 years found good computer help on "Craig's List", but that's deteriorated into a mess now.

Won't go into a local computer shop, because, well, ah... , this is not a situation for Thai-style thinking.

And I don't trust anything from Facebook.

 

I already tried "Baht-Sold" classified ads, but zero response.

 

Where else to look / post to find someone who understands Macintosh computers and who speaks English?

 

Thank you.

 

[richard_smith237]

17 minutes ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

My Mac computer needs a thorough checkup by someone who understands OSX and who speaks English.

Think of it as an "annual physical checkup", but for computer.

 

Question here is NOT how to fix a specific problem, rather how/where to find someone in Chiang Mai vicinity who can examine, test, diagnose.

 

10-15 years found good computer help on "Craig's List", but that's deteriorated into a mess now.

Won't go into a local computer shop, because, well, ah... , this is not a situation for Thai-style thinking.

And I don't trust anything from Facebook.

 

I already tried "Baht-Sold" classified ads, but zero response.

 

Where else to look / post to find someone who understands Macintosh computers and who speaks English?

 

Thank you.

 

 

You trusted Craigslist, but won't trust anything from FaceBook ? - thats just odd...  Craigslist was known for scammers. 

So is any online portal advertising services, you just have be to able to 'weed out' the wrong-uns.

 

Obviously recommendation is the best path forwards, but without that, you'll have to make your own path... which, is googling and searching on FaceBook and FaceBook Market place for such servces etc... 

 

Baht and Sold is a waste - it only 'caters' to a tiny proportion of the population.

 

 

So.. If you are looking for someone to 'service' (test examine and diagnose) your Mac...  Look for a Mac Repair shop... 

Start messaging with them and you can extablish their level of English. 

 

In Bangkok, many 'younger techy folk' to have very decent English language proficiency - I imagine its the same in Chiang Mai.

 

 

Of coure, you have the offical iCare which is the place to go, so perhaps go there ask them for 'system checkup'... 

 

Then there places that can be found on the Internet such as MacCafe...  Just because they have a facebook presence doesn't autmatically mean they are scammers, usually far from it - they are just businesses.

https://www.facebook.com/MacCafeChiangmai/

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mahseer]

I've used the above MacCafe. My iMac was 8 years old at the time and would no longer load the operating system and they fixed that and returned in 2 days. Give them a go and be specific as to your requirements and doubt you'll be disappointed. 

[gamb00ler]

2 hours ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

Think of it as an "annual physical checkup", but for computer.

If you have no specific complaints I don't think there is much regular "servicing" or tuneups needed for MacOS.  In my experience MacOS doesn't exhibit the slow deterioration in performance that Windows did when I depended on it about 8 years ago.  

 

What Mac do you have an how old is it?  Have you been installing the available OS updates?

 

Like any hardware there can be unexpected failures, so make sure you backup all your personal files or synchronize them to some cloud service(s).  I wouldn't bother backing up the OS unless you're quite computer literate.  

 

My iMac is a late 2015 model and still hums along just as well when I got it new 8 years ago.  The only software I added was the MSoft Office package.  I don't even really need that as the free Apple apps are just as good but less familiar to me.

[unblocktheplanet]

You could also try phoning Dr Macbook in Bangkok & asking if he has a C-M referral.

[Old Curmudgeon]

2 hours ago, Mahseer said:

I've used the above MacCafe.

 

Thanks, but MacCafe does "standard" things in the "standard" way.

I'm also looking for advice on backup system, VPN, Waterfox extensions, and more and more.

 

Still looking.

[Old Curmudgeon]

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

You could also try phoning Dr Macbook in Bangkok

 

Well, could, but won't.

I've been in to Dr. Macbook twice in recent years (at Asoke intersection on Sukhumvit Road.)

He's a nice guy, but fits into the category I mentioned in the opening post: "local computer shop."

His technicians are all Thais.

Friendly people, polite, and all that, but it is an entirely different thought process than what I'm looking for.

Plus the owner always seems rushed in his work: not what I want for my computer.

 

Still looking.

And this won't be easy, I know.

[Bill97]

There are a couple of guys around but I doubt they are interested in this kind of game.

[Old Curmudgeon]

16 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

What Mac do you have an how old is it?  Have you been installing the available OS updates?

 

I appreciate your suggestions, @gamb00ler, but ...

this thread is NOT about how to fix my Mac, or update the operating system, etc.

(That may be required, but it is not the topic of this thread.)

 

Here I am asking WHERE to find a consultant to review my entire computer configuration.

A consultant with a farang approach to "preventive maintenance".

Thai technicians -- no matter how skilled at technical details -- simply don't think in that way.

 

If you have any suggestions about WHERE to find such a consultant, please post again.

Thank you.

[gamb00ler]

27 minutes ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

A consultant with a farang approach to "preventive maintenance".

It sounds like you are really looking for a tutor rather than a technician.

 

There is a YTube Mac/Apple specialist with years of content that I like:

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/macmostvideo/videos

 

[Old Curmudgeon]

3 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

It sounds like you are really looking for a tutor rather than a technician.

 

TUTOR ?? ??

NOT AT ALL.

As the OP explained, looking for a farang who can do a "checkup".

 

If you know WHERE to post an ad or HOW TO FIND a consultant, please say so here.

Not try to second guess what I'm looking for.

Thanks.

[ElwoodP]

Reported post removed.

[josephbloggs]

19 hours ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

 

Well, could, but won't.

I've been in to Dr. Macbook twice in recent years (at Asoke intersection on Sukhumvit Road.)

He's a nice guy, but fits into the category I mentioned in the opening post: "local computer shop."

His technicians are all Thais.

Friendly people, polite, and all that, but it is an entirely different thought process than what I'm looking for.

Plus the owner always seems rushed in his work: not what I want for my computer.

 

Still looking.

And this won't be easy, I know.

Weird. I have used Dr Macbook 2-3 times and they were superb. Very very knowledgeable. The first time they didn't even charge me but only charged the cost of picking my laptop up from home. The second time I had complex hardware problems and they explained everything, took another one apart to show me what and why that particular year of Macbook had this issue, and offered me various solutions. All in all very impressive service.

I have dealt with the foreign guy once and dealt with Thais on the other occasions and they were equally knowledgable, so surprised you were disappointed. Are you sure it was Dr Macbook? It's never been on Asoke. It was at the end of Suk 33 but has since moved to Ploenchit.

Anyway, off topic, can't help you in CM.

[gamb00ler]

1 hour ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

As the OP explained, looking for a farang who can do a "checkup".

I'm a retired software engineer and I'm perplexed by your request for a computer "checkup".  Since there are basically no moving parts in computers these days there is minimal need for checkups.  A computer's electronic components don't normally slowly degrade... typically they just suddenly fail.   Old style hard drives are the exception as they will often start to show errors before failing completely.

 

By far the largest percentage of PC problems are software failures or user errors.  MacOS's updating process is very smooth.  In my experience I have had no significant problems since migrating to MacOS.  I only had problems when trying to circumvent Apple's restrictions on upgrading older Apple hardware to newer versions of MacOS (using 3rd party software).

 

I've been a PC user for almost 40 years and a Mac user for 8-9.  The only preventative maintenance I recommend is to periodically open the case and blow out as much dust as you can with some compressed air.  If your computer isn't on the floor, dust shouldn't be as much of an issue.  

 

Since you only claim to want a checkup, start with Apple's diagnostics:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102550

 

 

[Hummin]

The best solution, do a back up, and reset back to factory settings, and reboot the whole thing. If your mac is old, it will be slow, especially if you continue to update your os. Good luck

[pattayasan]

Updating a Mac model released before 2016 to the latest macOS version, macOS Sequoia (macOS 15), is generally not possible, as these older models are not officially supported. Apple's compatibility list for macOS Sequoia includes:

• MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
• MacBook Air: 2020 and later
• iMac: 2019 and later
• iMac Pro: 2017 and later
• Mac mini: 2018 and later
• Mac Studio: 2022 and later
• Mac Pro: 2019 and later

Therefore, Mac models from 2015 or earlier are not eligible for the macOS Sequoia update.

Apple Support

 

However, if your Mac isn't compatible with macOS Sequoia, you might be able to upgrade to an earlier version of macOS instead.

Apple Support

 

To determine your Mac's model and year, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "About This Mac." This information will help you identify which macOS versions are compatible with your device.

[gamb00ler]

11 minutes ago, pattayasan said:

Updating a Mac model released before 2016 to the latest macOS version, macOS Sequoia (macOS 15), is generally not possible, as these older models are not officially supported

Correct.... however some users have developed methods to allow older macs to run newer MacOS versions.  Search for OCLP... I use it to run Ventura on the wife's 2012 Mac mini.  I'll update it to Sonoma soon.

[pattayasan]

2 minutes ago, gamb00ler said:

Correct.... however some users have developed methods to allow older macs to run newer MacOS versions.  Search for OCLP... I use it to run Ventura on the wife's 2012 Mac mini.  I'll update it to Sonoma soon.

 

del

[Old Curmudgeon]

3 hours ago, pattayasan said:

Updating a Mac model released before 2016 to the latest macOS version

 

 

I appreciate your detailed post @pattayasan, but clearly you didn't read the opening post on this thread.

This thread is NOT about updating an operating system.

(That may be required, but that is not the topic here.)

Thanks, anyway, for your good intentions.

[josephbloggs]

6 minutes ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

 

I appreciate your detailed post @pattayasan, but clearly you didn't read the opening post on this thread.

This thread is NOT about updating an operating system.

(That may be required, but that is not the topic here.)

Thanks, anyway, for your good intentions.

Wow, you really live up to your name don't you.

[Old Curmudgeon]

3 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

I have used Dr Macbook 2-3 times and they were superb.
I have dealt with the foreign guy once and dealt with Thais on the other occasions and they were equally knowledgable, so surprised you were disappointed.

Thanks, @josephbloggs for taking your time to write and post.

 

Before you posted, I wish you'd considered that this thread is NOT about Dr. MacBook.

In fact, my OP specifically stated I do NOT want a computer shop for this consulting project.

 

The two times I went in to their shop in the Fico Building at Asoke Intersection, they were helpful.

But the help they provide is NOT what I'm looking for here.

 

Thanks, anyway, for defending the nice people at Dr. MacBook from accusations that I did not make.

 

My only goal with this thread is to find a Mac consultant.

That clear and simple goal seems to upset some people into posting off on wild tangents.

I have no idea why.

 

 

[Bill97]

8 minutes ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

Thanks, @josephbloggs for taking your time to write and post.

 

Before you posted, I wish you'd considered that this thread is NOT about Dr. MacBook.

In fact, my OP specifically stated I do NOT want a computer shop for this consulting project.

 

The two times I went in to their shop in the Fico Building at Asoke Intersection, they were helpful.

But the help they provide is NOT what I'm looking for here.

 

Thanks, anyway, for defending the nice people at Dr. MacBook from accusations that I did not make.

 

My only goal with this thread is to find a Mac consultant.

That clear and simple goal seems to upset some people into posting off on wild tangents.

I have no idea why.

 

 

Then why did you write about Dr MacBook so long windedly?  You can write about but others can not! Bloody wimp.

 

[josephbloggs]

4 minutes ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

Thanks, @josephbloggs for taking your time to write and post.

 

Before you posted, I wish you'd considered that this thread is NOT about Dr. MacBook.

In fact, my OP specifically stated I do NOT want a computer shop for this consulting project.

 

The two times I went in to their shop in the Fico Building at Asoke Intersection, they were helpful.

But the help they provide is NOT what I'm looking for here.

 

Thanks, anyway, for defending the nice people at Dr. MacBook from accusations that I did not make.

 

My only goal with this thread is to find a Mac consultant.

That clear and simple goal seems to upset some people into posting off on wild tangents.

I have no idea why.

 

 

Got it. To all posters:

Under no circumstances reply to anything in this thread no matter how helpful you are trying to be. ONLY reply with the contact details of a foreigner (not a Thai - no Thais!) that is in Chiang Mai and will perform whatever a "computer check up" is.  Anything other than that is NOT WELCOME!

 

[thrilled]

That’s a Thai job. A foreigner is not allowed to do A job a Thai can do

[john donson]

are you looking for a farang you can help deport... thai only job...  google translate or your fat wife / gf is your friend

[Freddy42OZ]

14 hours ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

Thanks, @josephbloggs for taking your time to write and post.

 

Before you posted, I wish you'd considered that this thread is NOT about Dr. MacBook.

In fact, my OP specifically stated I do NOT want a computer shop for this consulting project.

 

The two times I went in to their shop in the Fico Building at Asoke Intersection, they were helpful.

But the help they provide is NOT what I'm looking for here.

 

Thanks, anyway, for defending the nice people at Dr. MacBook from accusations that I did not make.

 

My only goal with this thread is to find a Mac consultant.

That clear and simple goal seems to upset some people into posting off on wild tangents.

I have no idea why.

 

 

 

 

I have provided Mac tech support for many years, but I have no idea what you actually want to have done.

What issues are you having that you need resolving? 

[Oliver Holzerfilled]

OP's evasiveness to exactly what he is trying to accomplish is a possible red flag.  Could indicate nefarious online intentions.  I'd advise anyone that tried to assist in this thread delete your posts immediately so you don't get dragged into any legal complications. 

[WDSmart]

I've lived in Thailand for over 20 years and do part-time work on my PC. I also live outside of Bangkok, up in northeastern Thailand. I've always found many Thais that do excellent work on computers. Many speak English very well. I'm just posting this in case you can't find a technician like you want, and suggest you try some Thais.

[tomazbodner]

Buying a new Mac will also fix many of these issues - it'll be absolutely clean, fast, and working wonderfully like the first day you get it... which, obviously, you just would have.

 

And there's not much searching needed either - just a credit card and opening apple.com - clicking on Thailand at the bottom, and Shop in English. Wait a day or 2 and box will arrive by courier. Problem fixed.

 

Next year buy another

[gamb00ler]

6 hours ago, Freddy42OZ said:

What issues are you having that you need resolving? 

After several go arounds, he hasn't mentioned a single issue or clearly stated what he expects to be done during a "checkup".  He did mention  wanting "advice on backup system, VPN, Waterfox extensions, and more and more.'