I'm buying a new MacBook soon. Most likely/conveniently from a Chiang Mai Apple Centre (there are two here).

1. Do they come with Thai keyboards here? I don't want/need Thai. Do they tend to stock MacBooks with UK/USA keyboards?

2. Do Thai Apple Centres here stock Apple refurbs? (There aren't any on the online store).

3. I assume they'll have the paperwork to claim back sales tax at the airport? (I don't reside in Thailand all of the time - I can claim)

4. Is there any compelling reason to wait until I'm in Malaysia or Singapore to buy? Or even Bangkok?

I'm buying a new MacBook soon. Most likely/conveniently from a Chiang Mai Apple Centre (there are two here).

1. Do they come with Thai keyboards here? I don't want/need Thai. Do they tend to stock MacBooks with UK/USA keyboards?

2. Do Thai Apple Centres here stock Apple refurbs? (There aren't any on the online store).

3. I assume they'll have the paperwork to claim back sales tax at the airport? (I don't reside in Thailand all of the time - I can claim)

4. Is there any compelling reason to wait until I'm in Malaysia or Singapore to buy? Or even Bangkok?

Alternative is to order from the online Apple store: http://store.apple.com/th

That said...

1. You can special-order with english keyboard. I asked about this previously in the CM Apple store. Takes a week. Also make sure you get American-style power plugs or you might end up with the giant-sized variety they use in Singapore (and UK, I think).

2. No

3. Yes

4. No - prices are not better, perhaps even worse, if you want to be sure compare with the online Apple store Singapore for the exact breakdown. The dealers usually match the online store price. HK might be cheaper, not sure, but I am sure the difference is small enough that it would only be worth it if you are in HK for other reasons.

Alternative is to order from the online Apple store: http://store.apple.com/th

I thought about ordering online, but wasn't sure how I'd go about claiming back the sales tax.

Alternative is to order from the online Apple store: http://store.apple.com/th

I thought about ordering online, but wasn't sure how I'd go about claiming back the sales tax.

I bought one in NY (Mid Feb 09), only to find as I passed through UK I could buy it cheaperat LHR Duty free.. This is only because of currency fluctuations and thats the way it was THAT DAY.

Now I have been assured that products ordered through the online store arrive hassle free, thats where I shall get it from.