Buying Lap-top

[Dah fahrang]

I need to buy a laptop for daughter at University in UK (studying Thai).

Laptop need to have Thai keyboard, and capable of running Windows and Word in Thai & English. I myself use a Dell Latitude D800, also looking at Toshiba, or Panasonic.

Help needed:

I know Panthip Plaza (perhaps too well from the threads about it and visiting).

But which other shopping plazas have good, reputable computer vendors in them, where I would get a genuine computer, with guarantee?

Thanx!

[ThaiAdventure]

Get one in the UK.

The prices aren't that different and you will get a reliable gurantee. In addition. If it does go wrong she can take it back to the shop rather than send it to Thailand!

[lopburi3]

Get one in the UK.

The prices aren't that different and you will get a reliable gurantee. In addition. If it does go wrong she can take it back to the shop rather than send it to Thailand!

1. I seriously doubt that many laptop computers in the UK have a Thai keyboard. And he is here (Thailand if I read post right). If he does have her buy in UK he should remember to buy key stickers for her to take.

2. It sounds as if daughter may live in Thailand and only be in UK during school term. So it might be hard to take back to UK shop much of the year. As Dell is officially represented here would assume their guarantee would be just as valid as that from the UK. But then we know that "assume" can mean.

Fortune Town (on Ratchada) is a good alternative to Pantip.

[ThaiAdventure]

1. I seriously doubt that many laptop computers in the UK have a Thai keyboard. And he is here (Thailand if I read post right). If he does have her buy in UK he should remember to buy key stickers for her to take.

2. It sounds as if daughter may live in Thailand and only be in UK during school term. So it might be hard to take back to UK shop much of the year. As Dell is officially represented here would assume their guarantee would be just as valid as that from the UK. But then we know that "assume" can mean.

Fortune Town (on Ratchada) is a good alternative to Pantip.

1. Good Point.

2. If she was living in Thailand why would she go to the UK and learn Thai????

Yes the"manufacturers" gurantee would still be valid. Do you want to send it back to the manufacurer and wait 6 weeks to get it back?. I would rather go back to the shop and get a replacement and let them send it back. You have more consumer rights in the UK.

[Guest IT Manager]

Rules:

1) Name Brand

2) Name Seller

3) Warranty Period

4) Buy Elsewhere if Possible

[bangkok-bob]

Check the IT mall at fortune, loads of notebook shops, and pretty decent prices.

[steffi]

You can find a reputable place in Panthip to buy Laptops from.

Stick with Compaq or Toshiba. I like the Portege M1 but it might be too small for her needs.

Otherwise try the newer widescreen Compaqs.

These days you pay for Centrino but if you don't want it there was some bargains

to be had in the older Presarios.

I myself use a Titanium Powerbook.

[steffi]

If you want to buy Toshiba seek out the Chevaliar Computer Group in Bangkok. They are the biggest Toshiba dealers and the authorized Toshiba Dealer in Bangkok. I've find them

to be most professional. There's one at Fortune, one west of MBK and one on Silom Road near or in Silom Complex.

[Guest IT Manager]

I assume Steffi, you haven't had to have it repaired. Touch wood. Chevalier is the reason I recommend to clients not to buy Toshiba, much as I like most of their (Toshiba) products.

[Dah fahrang]

Thanks for the input, folks.

Take the point about buying elsewhere - I live 75% in UK and 25% in LOS until retirement to 100% LOS next year. Yes, UK prices are very competitive, but daughter is reading Thai at School of Oriental & African Studies in London, and needs laptop set up for Thai, with Thai keyboard (without stickers).

As she will be moving to Thailand next year for one years study, and will live in LOS upon graduation (dual citizenship) seems best thing to go for.

Looking on the web. found a couple of places in Panthip which fit 'IT Managers' spec. Global Solutions, and Amazing Notebook Co, both selling Compaq, Acer and Toshiba, all with one year worldwide waranties, but obviously will scrutinise that carefully in the shop, in case its quickly photcopied to clinch the sale!!!!!

Both retailers also both feature on the Customs & Excise recommended list for VAT refunds at Don Muang on export. That magic 7% swings the cost advantage considerably over the UK.

Will post again January when returning to UK, with story of success, failure or outright deceitfulness.

Chok dee.

[randyksf]

Why spend a lot of money on a Thai Laptop? You can get Keyboard stickers and for 300 Baht you can get an external Thai Keyboard.

If you do want to buy I have found the prices to be about 15% - 20% more. Infact I just bought a Toshiba 17 wide screen for 78,000 baht in the states. Here the same exact laptop cost 105,000.

If you want a great laptop look at the Compaq 15 wide screens. They cost a little more but he wide screen invaluable if you are doing any work other than typing emails.

Laptops are extremely expensive for what you get. I built a system last weekend that rocked with a 17 Flat Panel 2.6 HT GHz ,512 Ram, etc.. for under 40,000 baht.