Ipad

[cmjantje]

I want to buy an Ipad or clone, any advice?

[sunholidaysun1]

I bought one in Burma , it cost 2400 bht for the Ipad2, very good. The price at the time in CR was about 14000bht. Big difference.

[skybluestu]

One of my colleagues bought an Ipad2 for 27,900baht (64gb) but sold it to his sister 2 weeks later when the 10.1 Samsung Galaxy Tab came out. The Ipad2 starts at around 18,500 for the 16gb version. If you want wifi only then there are cheaper options and the previous models are now cheaper too, about 13,000 for the 7inch Galaxy tab. There are other options by Acer, HTC etc so shop around.

Whether you go for the genuine ones at central or the copies at Tachilek you should ask around for a discount.

[sceadugenga]

I saw the Burmese/Chinese copies and as said, the asking price was 2400.

There were two places selling them (that I saw), both to the right as you come down the steps after immigration.

One included an attachable keyboard and case for that price.

I'd be wary myself, they were android O/S and too much software on them will probably grind them down to snail pace... as it will with any tablet.

I'd also be trying to work out how much storage they had on the hard drive and what the battery life would be with something like Flash chugging away.

What you have to remember with tablets is, if you want a netbook, buy one, don't get a tablet and expect it to do the same thing.

[Riggi]

Did you notice what version of Android OS the tablets were running sceadugenga?

If it was 2.3 then at 2400B it might be worth mucking around with one... 2.1 and 2.2 are not optimised for tablets (but rather phones) and being a cheap Chinese knock off there may not be a way to upgrade the OS...

You last comment is very true. A tablet would be handy for web browsing or watching videos, but for anything that requires typing more than a URL, I'd want a netbook/ultra-portable with a keyboard.

Also for any serious work you probably want a windows interface rather than Android or iOS so you can easily switch between windows and have the processing power to run multiple apps. Plus be able to use apps that have the full features you are used to (ie. using an office suite on Android or iOS is OK for viewing docs, but for any editing or creation you will probably want the power/features of a full blown office suite)

[sceadugenga]

I never noticed Riggi, most of what I know about this sort of this thing comes from the excellent TechRepublic website that sends me several articles a day and my very knowledgeable neighbour, a dedicated Apple man.

I think the tablet we're talking about would make a great eBook reader but I like to see how long the battery lasts watching movies.

And, by the way... I have a true eBook reader that I charge every 3 days.

[cmjantje]

I think everybody now knows I am too chicken to pass the border with Myanmar in Mae Say. I want to see that android.

Is there anyone who plans to go to May Sai to guide me?

I have seen the world but am afraid for one border. Cannot be. I am willing to pick you up somewhere in CR.

[sunholidaysun1]

I think everybody now knows I am too chicken to pass the border with Myanmar in Mae Say. I want to see that android.

Is there anyone who plans to go to May Sai to guide me?

I have seen the world but am afraid for one border. Cannot be. I am willing to pick you up somewhere in CR.

Have a chat with Rico at his bar , hes bought 4 Ipad2 from Burma recently. 2400 bht each including keyboard and memory card installed.

[Paul888]

I think everybody now knows I am too chicken to pass the border with Myanmar in Mae Say. I want to see that android.

Is there anyone who plans to go to May Sai to guide me?

I have seen the world but am afraid for one border. Cannot be. I am willing to pick you up somewhere in CR.

This is not a border to be afraid of Cmjantje. In my opinion it is one of the friendliest borders I have ever encountered......both sides, and aside from being offered "viagra", ccigarettes and porn every 5 minutes from walking vendors (even when standing with your wife and 3 young children!) it is a safe enough shopping experience.

The only potential problem I see for you, is access down some quite steep steps to the shopping area if I remember rightly that you are in a wheelchair?

Although there is another way in without steps at the end of the main road in.

It is definitely worth taking a look yourself, especially if you are planning on buying something electrical.

I will be going again sometime at the end of the month (always take my family with me) if you need some assistance we can arrange to cross same time.

[cmjantje]

I think everybody now knows I am too chicken to pass the border with Myanmar in Mae Say. I want to see that android.

Is there anyone who plans to go to May Sai to guide me?

I have seen the world but am afraid for one border. Cannot be. I am willing to pick you up somewhere in CR.

This is not a border to be afraid of Cmjantje. In my opinion it is one of the friendliest borders I have ever encountered......both sides, and aside from being offered "viagra", ccigarettes and porn every 5 minutes from walking vendors (even when standing with your wife and 3 young children!) it is a safe enough shopping experience.

The only potential problem I see for you, is access down some quite steep steps to the shopping area if I remember rightly that you are in a wheelchair?

Although there is another way in without steps at the end of the main road in.

It is definitely worth taking a look yourself, especially if you are planning on buying something electrical.

I will be going again sometime at the end of the month (always take my family with me) if you need some assistance we can arrange to cross same time.

In general I am not in a wheelchair anymore, only when I have to wait a long time (hospital etc.) But the steps Can kill me.

I was at Rico's this morning but it was closed. The opening times are also confusing.

I have to go to Immigration for my 3 month paper around half November. I told my wife to cross the border, catch the first farang you see and ask him/her to help her buying the android and cigarettes. Cannot be different. I am glad you told me about the steps. So if you can get one for me same like Rico I would be very happy!

[scorpio1945]

Anyone bought a cellphone across the border. Big discount? Worth the risk?

[sceadugenga]

I was given a copy "iPhone" last year, cost about 2000B.

It was a piece of crap.

You'd maybe be better off picking a second hand phone from one of the many stalls in the shopping centres around Chiang Rai.

[scorpio1945]

I was given a copy "iPhone" last year, cost about 2000B.

It was a piece of crap.

You'd maybe be better off picking a second hand phone from one of the many stalls in the shopping centres around Chiang Rai.

I was thinking more of a genuine brand name cellphone but not sure if the savings on import tax was noteworthy or worth the risk.

Edited October 11, 2011 by scorpio1945

[sceadugenga]

My late neighbour and his wife used to buy lower price Nokias in Burma and seemed quite satisfied with them.

I'd tend to be wary of more expensive models.

[TwentyBaht]

cmjantje,

Will offer a bit of information about the "Ipad" clones.

I have one.

A couple of things you should know;

These tablets are really not Ipad clones. They are made of original Chinese architecture. And, have a Via 8650 Cpu.

And, the OS is Android. Currently, 2.2 for these tablets.

What can you do with it? Well, I use mine for internet while traveling. And, I find it quite adequate for that.

Where can you get one? Well, Mae Sai, for sure. But, I would not buy one there. Tablets with the old obsolete Via 8505 Cpu are still sold there.

Where else? Well, I ordered mine direct from China for $70US delivered.

Another suggestion; "O K Computer" near the Chang Pauk Gate in Chiang Mai sells a lot of these tablets. And, repair them. Importantly, their tablets will have the latest firmware "build".

And, although these WM8650 tablets are adequate for internet, the Android OS is a new menu interface. And, will require a little study to get more than that out of it.

But, if inclined to this, there are specialized ROM that can be flashed to the tablet that can significantly increase the performance.

Overall, I've been quite surprised what this cheap tablet will do. Especially, with the flashed ROM.

But, as with all the Android tablets, whether cheap or expensive, there is a learning curve.

(I'll just note that Android has been good to me. Because, I made a smart move two months ago. I gave my other half a very good Smartphone made in China. Android OS on it. Took her about two weeks to get it going. Well, the Facebook app, really. And, she attends to this daily. Why a smart move? Well, I find that my "Honey-do" list has plummeted. She is otherwise occupied, you see.)

Cheers.

[OneZero]

Quote: "O K Computer" near the Chang Pauk Gate in Chiang Mai ....

TwentyBaht, can you be a bit more specifis with the directions. For example, inside or outside the moat, side streets, etc.

Thanks.

[cmjantje]

cmjantje,

Will offer a bit of information about the "Ipad" clones.

I have one.

A couple of things you should know;

These tablets are really not Ipad clones. They are made of original Chinese architecture. And, have a Via 8650 Cpu.

And, the OS is Android. Currently, 2.2 for these tablets.

What can you do with it? Well, I use mine for internet while traveling. And, I find it quite adequate for that.

Where can you get one? Well, Mae Sai, for sure. But, I would not buy one there. Tablets with the old obsolete Via 8505 Cpu are still sold there.

Where else? Well, I ordered mine direct from China for $70US delivered.

Another suggestion; "O K Computer" near the Chang Pauk Gate in Chiang Mai sells a lot of these tablets. And, repair them. Importantly, their tablets will have the latest firmware "build".

And, although these WM8650 tablets are adequate for internet, the Android OS is a new menu interface. And, will require a little study to get more than that out of it.

But, if inclined to this, there are specialized ROM that can be flashed to the tablet that can significantly increase the performance.

Overall, I've been quite surprised what this cheap tablet will do. Especially, with the flashed ROM.

But, as with all the Android tablets, whether cheap or expensive, there is a learning curve.

(I'll just note that Android has been good to me. Because, I made a smart move two months ago. I gave my other half a very good Smartphone made in China. Android OS on it. Took her about two weeks to get it going. Well, the Facebook app, really. And, she attends to this daily. Why a smart move? Well, I find that my "Honey-do" list has plummeted. She is otherwise occupied, you see.)

Cheers.

Thank you for This information!

So the Mae Sai thing Is shit like Scea told already.

Well I have to go to CM anyway but I am waiting for the water to go down.

Thanks again!

[Paul888]

Great post 20baht.

[TwentyBaht]

OneZero,

More specific directions? Sure. From Chang Pauk Gate go outside the moat. Cross the large one-way road. Left about 400 meters, or so. The first large computer store. Parking in front. Walk to the middle of the store. Look right and take the stairs to the second floor. "O K Computer" will be at the top of the stairs. They normally have a demo tablet unit available for customers. And, a phone number - 089-7716455.

Paul888,

Thanks. Glad to help.

And, in case anyone is interested, these tablets have developed a cult-like following on the internet. Just Google "uberoid" and a TechKnow forum will come up. A brilliant young hacker "HcH" releases a new ROM about every month.

I must confess. I'm an old guy, but I follow that thread daily. And, like a kid, I anxiously await each new ROM.

Cheers

[OneZero]

2)Baht, Excellent directions. Thanks.

[sceadugenga]

I saw the copy iPad2 in Tachilek yesterday after an unplanned visit with friends.

I played with it for a few minutes, there was no internet access available and while it started up quickly it took a long time to open one of the games available.

3000B with case and keyboard.

I still think the small netbooks available at places like BananaIT in Central are a far better option.

[kumsamut]

make sure it contains 3g ability, not just wifi.

[TwentyBaht]

Surprisingly, even the cheap Via 8650 tablets list support for the 3G USB dongles below;

TD-CDMA:TD368

WCDMA:Huawei E220/E230/E160X/E169G/E1750 Alcatel X060S/X200

CDMA2000:Bora 9380/AWIT-U8

But, a little humorous in that the dongle might cost more than the tablet.

Cheers

[rmacdon61]

twentybaht.

(I'll just note that Android has been good to me. Because, I made a smart move two months ago. I gave my other half a very good Smartphone made in China. Android OS on it. Took her about two weeks to get it going. Well, the Facebook app, really. And, she attends to this daily. Why a smart move? Well, I find that my "Honey-do" list has plummeted. She is otherwise occupied, you see.)

When I arrive back in CR I plan on turning over my new Samsung Galaxy S11 to the wife, hope that works as well for me!!!!! Has Android 2.3.3 should keep her busy

[TwentyBaht]

rmacdon61,

Yes, good idea. The 2.3 increased game capability is a plus. Ladies like the eye candy.

I'll just add that "Angry Birds" has also been good to me. All 60 levels of it. I can now consider dismissing myself as Head of the Complaints Department . Traffic there is at an all-time low.

An important note. About two weeks ago, I thought an earthquake had occurred. But no, it was only that her Smartphone touchscreen failed to respond. Which required a "Factory Restore". That function is under the "Privacy Settings". A few minutes later peace was again restored to my kingdom.

And, I'll give a warning. After the Facebook app has locked in, it is not a good idea to even jokingly suggest that you will take the phone away. A low feral growl and flashed teeth convinced me of that.

Cheers

[rmacdon61]

rmacdon61,

Yes, good idea. The 2.3 increased game capability is a plus. Ladies like the eye candy.

I'll just add that "Angry Birds" has also been good to me. All 60 levels of it. I can now consider dismissing myself as Head of the Complaints Department . Traffic there is at an all-time low.

An important note. About two weeks ago, I thought an earthquake had occurred. But no, it was only that her Smartphone touchscreen failed to respond. Which required a "Factory Restore". That function is under the "Privacy Settings". A few minutes later peace was again restored to my kingdom.

And, I'll give a warning. After the Facebook app has locked in, it is not a good idea to even jokingly suggest that you will take the phone away. A low feral growl and flashed teeth convinced me of that.

Cheers

TwentyBaht:

Yes I was treated to a fasion show tonight with all the different coloured covers, boots, knockabout thingys that the phone has. I made the mistake of saying "uptoyou" as to colour. I now apparently like hot pink!!!

My laptop (sorry her laptop) has "facebook" as homepage. I recall a dark and distant past when it was "HomeDepot", I think???

Her favourite saying "You think to much!!!!!" HaHaHa

Why is it, instead of asking, she just hits the "YES" button or lots of buttons and then complains when the phone/computer stops and it must be magic because "She" did nothing to it?????

[cmjantje]

OneZero,

More specific directions? Sure. From Chang Pauk Gate go outside the moat. Cross the large one-way road. Left about 400 meters, or so. The first large computer store. Parking in front. Walk to the middle of the store. Look right and take the stairs to the second floor. "O K Computer" will be at the top of the stairs. They normally have a demo tablet unit available for customers. And, a phone number - 089-7716455.

Paul888,

Thanks. Glad to help.

And, in case anyone is interested, these tablets have developed a cult-like following on the internet. Just Google "uberoid" and a TechKnow forum will come up. A brilliant young hacker "HcH" releases a new ROM about every month.

I must confess. I'm an old guy, but I follow that thread daily. And, like a kid, I anxiously await each new ROM.

Cheers

Is that Chang Puak road?

[TwentyBaht]

rmacdon61,

Yes, we are in the same realm.

Pink? ... Really? ...... Well, ...Yes, that's nice.

Facebook and app-fatigued phone/computer. Now, comatose. What I hear? "Your job. I go market. Back fifteen minute. Okay?"

Have been thinking. Preserving my tranquil realm will require forward thinking. What to do if a bump in my "HoneyDo" list? Well, I'll quickly order a larger 4.3" Smartphone from China. More links and friends on her display? Yep, that should do it.

Cheers

[TwentyBaht]

cmjantje,

Apologies. My directions should have included this.

Chang Pauk Road will go directly out of the Chang Pauk Gate and away from the old city.

Maninopharat Road (maybe also shown as Manee Nopparat Road) is the large one-way road running parallel with the moat.

And, "O K Computer" is located on this road.

Something I would like to add;

The shop owner is a pleasant man, though busy most times. Two very capable shop technicians. And, a few younger helpers about. Little English spoken. But, if patient, they can be quite helpful.

I've bought computer equipment from them for about two years now.

And if you want, you may tell them that "Don from Chiang Khong" told you about the store/tablet.

I say up front. I get no benefit (discount) from this!

I have another motive.

I would like this shop in Chiang Rai. And, now each time I visit the shop I talk to the owner about starting one here. So far, he's indicated, "about two years".

So, maybe a few more customers walking in and asking about this might encourage things along a little.

Cheers