Buy Laptop In Usa Or Thailand

[Chizod]

I will be moving to Thailand in a few months. Is it cheaper to buy in Thailand or US? I am not looking for high end one, just a relatively basic one for email,internet.

[wolf5370]

I would have thought the USA like for like - I know I can get similar spec machines in the UK for cheaper than here (many older components here - especially graphocs cards - and low end PSU's etc on desk tops) and I think USA is cheaper than UK. However, this is just my thoughts - remember though interest rate here is also playing against you at the moment too.

[REM]

I would definitely buy in the US. A lot of people go to a place called Pantip to buy computers here, and even if you go to a company store like HP or something, you can buy a configured machine with no software, and they will load the OS and all the software you could ask for for about $10USD, but it is all pirated and there is no recourse if you encounter a problem. Based on that alone, I would buy in the US. The prices in the US are significantly cheaper than here in Thailand for all computer products (at least real ones that will work). Also, the US warranty will most likely be valid here in Thailand, but buying from a store here, it is very hard to get them to honor the warranty or to find a salesperson who is actually knowledgable.

If you are thinking of an Apple computer, definitely buy that one in the states! Here, it is all double the price, from the computer to the components to any add on.

Hope it helps, I didn't come fully stocked, and had my family mail me the rest of my components (which was cheaper even with international shipping!)

[keeniau96]

Good basic laptops can be had here for 15-25,000 baht (US$1=30 baht). That's Acer, Asus, the new Toshiba line, others. A big factor is warranty and local service; one you buy in the USA may not have warranty valid here. Take a look at www.invade.com to get some idea of Thai prices, compare to Newegg.com in USA.

[Lancelot]

My experience is that lap tops/computers are cheaper in the USA. You also get bundled software, including Original Windows

[wolf5370]

As REM said, remember to take into account that the OS does not come OEM with the box - its either DOS, Linux or pirate - some shop will have the real software, but thats at retail package price. There are many pretty good computer repair shops here (certainly in CM where I live) - they can fix almost anything and the good ones will resolder components if necessary rather than just replacing boards. Also monitors and peripherals will come as extra (for desktop of course). I bought a laptop here in November a Dell I5 machine - cost 25k plus VAT - special deal they threw in a bag and a mouse - hookie OS and software (which I replaced when I got home).

[astral]

Just check the guarantee to see if it is Worldwide?

[Chizod]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. It sounds like I should buy here. I will be staying/working in Thailand so I wonder if the keyboard is different - would I need to use any Thai symbols?

I believe I will also need to bring an adapter/surge protector but they are cheap here.

[NanLaew]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. It sounds like I should buy here. I will be staying/working in Thailand so I wonder if the keyboard is different - would I need to use any Thai symbols?

I believe I will also need to bring an adapter/surge protector but they are cheap here.

If "here" means the US, then I agree, buy it there. There's newegg, tigerdirect and directron, all of which I have purchased from and saved loads. You can get an international warranty with most new machines and my personal experience with an IW and Asus in Bangkok has been excellent.

Unless you are planning learning/using Thai language a lot for documents and internet, there's no advantage in having a Thai keyboard. However, you can always buy a USB one locally if you do need it.

[ETatBKK]

get fuuuuull load before you come to Thailand !

my experience, brand packaged laptops and desktops are slightly more expensive in Thailand, and they are just 6 months to a year behind. BUT, computer accessories are selling like a gold here ! you may pay almost double for a decent mouse or branded storage devices.

yeah, check out some online IT shops in Thailand, then you may have better idea !

[negreanu]

Dell, Alienware, Apple, Asus buy in US.

[ProThaiExpat]

Keyboards are relatively inexpensive here so worry not about Thai symbols until you get here. I bought a Logitech wireless keyboard with Thai symbols last year for US$10 in Thai Baht and didn't bother to shop the price, bought it at high end shop in Chiang Mai.

[Digitalbanana]

Buy in US, I even did from Thailand and got it shipped here. Saved a lot.

As for keyboards, I would say you're hardly likely to use Thai keyboard if you haven't been here yet. You can get by with Thai language support installed and even on screen keyboards.

[Chizod]

Thank you all for your feedback. It lloks like I will be purchasing here in the US.

[nitayaluu]

All,

How much is the shipping charge from US to Thailand for a laptop. I am considering buying a laptop for my nephew who lives in Thailand. I checked price in Thailand and US and it seems it's best to get it in USA.

I'm worried about hidden fee, custom, etc. Any advise is appreciated.

What carrier one should use when buying a laptop? If not what about asking someone to carry it back, will there be a custom charge bringing a laptop back for college use. I'm uncertain what brand to buy either. My nephew wants to have this spec. HELP!!!!

ProcessorCPUIntel Core i5-480M (2.66 GHz, 3MB L3 Cache, up to 2.93 GHz)ChipsetMobile Intel HM57 Express ChipsetGraphic systemGraphic Chip ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 (1GB)DisplayType15.6 inch HD WLED (1366x768)Main MemoryMemory4 GB DDR3Hard Disk DriveHard Disk640 GB 5400 RPMwindows 7 x64

[Lancelot]

Personally, I would buy in the USA. All the lap tops I've purchased in the USA came with original windows. I don't think thats the case here in Thailand

[lopburi3]

Buying for a Thai I would stick to Thailand with normal Thai keyboard for there use. For OP only use it is likely US price will be better value.

You can obtain OEM or both as part of computer purchase or separate but as said most lower price units ship without. There is no upgrade family pak type offers here. I would expect any US sold laptop to function on both 120/220 power but that should always be checked (on the power brick). Thai plugs are the same as in US and no stabilizer should be required.

[PattayaParent]

Thank you all for your feedback. It lloks like I will be purchasing here in the US.

But check the warranty first to see if you're covered in Thailand.

[Spoonman]

Personally, I would buy in the USA. All the lap tops I've purchased in the USA came with original windows. I don't think thats the case here in Thailand

Errrm are you saying the OEM's load dodgy copies onto machines sold here.......................... I think not.

[BB1950]

As a rule it's better to buy in the USA. You won't get a better deal here in Thailand.

As far as the keyboard, it's not an issue and you don't need to buy a Thai keyboard. You can buy stickers to place on the keys from the US (Amazon) or here in Thailand. Select the Thai keyboard layout from the Regions and Language option in the Control Panel to use the layout. Unless you can write in Thai, the Thai keyboard layout is useless.