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Posted

There's been a lot of shrugged shoulders when asking about the launch date for the 7.7, but I actually saw one store here in Khon Kaen with brochures and indicating they'll have it "tomorrow" (Feb 11th), AIS advertising it with their road show, and DTAC that actually had at least three in stock. The initial models seem to be 16GB internal, microSD allowing up to 32GB additional memory, with 3G and WiFi. Going price is 19,900 baht.

At DTAC I was trying to sort out if it is in anyway limited (de-rated) by getting it from a carrier. In one case they were telling me it has HSPA (3G) on only two bands (850 and 2100,) Yet elsewhere they showed me a web page that showed it as having quad-band 3G using 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 I believe. I asked to see the specs on the box, but in maddening frustration, they have bundled a CD on the back of the box that covers the specifications, and they can not break the seal!

Anybody know of a way to definitively check a phone or tablet to know what GSM and 3G/HSPA/LTE bands they really function on? Seems to me it should be a software function, viewable in a menu somewhere. But I've never heard of that being a feature on anything before, phone or tablet.

DTAC will do a VAT refund, so it might be a possibility that I purchase there.

Ideally this unit should have 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz HSPA to make optimal use of DTAC, AIS, AT&T in the States, and 2100 for future usage when that is put into service later in Thailand. I might be purchasing soon if I can no longer resist!

Posted (edited)

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 Plus/16 GB seems to have become generally available here over the last week or so.

http://www.thaimobilecenter.com/spec/price_from_user_all.asp?id=3036

I'll be at MBK later today, looking for a Tab 10.1, so will check on the 7.7.

As far as I can determine there is currently one international model number: GT-P6800 (perhaps with an M/16, M/32 or M/64 suffix denoting the memory). While my opinion is hardly definitive, I am certain this unit is not "de-rated" in any way, and that it will support all those GSM and 3G bands. Just verify the model number.

One can view system settings in the service menu, including being able to select specific 3G bands, however this menu is difficult to access and navigate and is hardly representative of the capabilities of the system. My Samsung phone does not support 900 Mhz 3G but it does show up as an option in the service menu.

I am not 100% how easy or difficult it will be to get this unit onto the AT&T network. In theory it should be straight-forward, but I haven't researched that aspect at all. If you don't already have a pre-aid AT&T SIM you should be able to get one, activate it, add money, then choose a data plan; the best they offer is $25 for 500 MB. AT&T operates 3G on 850 Mhz in some locales and on 1900 Mhz in others so you should be fine, assuming there is any coverage in those areas you visit.

One last question regarding the VAT refund: I assume you do this at Suvarnabhumi when departing on an international flight? Is is easy to do? DO you have to bring the original packaging? Does one's visa come in to play, say holding a non-imm B rather than on a 30 day waiver?

Edited by lomatopo
Posted (edited)

One last question regarding the VAT refund: I assume you do this at Suvarnabhumi when departing on an international flight? Is is easy to do? DO you have to bring the original packaging? Does one's visa come in to play, say holding a non-imm B rather than on a 30 day waiver?

I have only done VAT once at Suvarnabhumi for a watch but did a few at Chiang Mai....Chiang Mai was easier because you just go into boarding area & hand over the papers & get your$$

At Suva remember to have your paper (the one the merchant gave you for VAT refund) stamped before you go through passport check point.

Once inside you then go to the VAT refund window for your $$$

You do not need original packing. Just the paper,item & passport

Actually at Chiang Mai they did not even ask to see my Tab10.1 or Cooper phone

Edited by flying
Posted (edited)

Thanks for the info.

As far as AT&T is concerned, last time I was in the States I got the run-around from numerous attempts to even get Edge data working on my HTC Wildfire (it does not support 850/1900 for 3G use from AT&T.) Finally got a guy that had most of the answers, and knew who to call for the rest. Turned out under Wireless & Networks > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names there are collections of "presets" for accessing different carrier's data networks. My phone didn't have any presets for AT&T, so upon discovering that, we had to build a preset for AT&T to get data services.

As for the Galaxy Tab 7.7, the only thing I'm seeing or hearing anywhere now is the 16GB model, though I imagine the 32 and 64 might appear later.

About the 10.1, are they actually selling different memory models (16/32/64 GB) now? I don't recall actually seeing them in the stores and priced out (at least here in Thailand.) I'm only seeing 16GB. If I were buying an 8.9 or a 10.1 I would really want to get at least 32GB on those, if not 64GB. They have no MicroSD slot. I kind of consider the 7.7 to be ½ generation ahead of the 8.9 and 10.1, as it has the slot and the super-AmoLED screen.

About VAT refunds, you are okay with a non-B or a retirement visa. It represents a nice 7% discount if you are taking an international trip (by air) within 60 days anyway. What happens is this:

  • Bring the passport to the store when you purchase the device, and ask the retailer if they offer a VAT Refund. Many do not, but some do. Since prices are mostly the same, my decision on where to purchase is influenced by the store's ability to support/service the product AND if they can do the VAT paperwork for me.
  • When you purchase, they will write up some paperwork with info from your passport, receipt, etc.
  • Take that paperwork and the merchandise to the airport with you (no packaging is necessary.) You have to make 2 stops for a VAT refund. First is an area (I believe it is around door 5 on the departure level ) where they look at your paperwork, might ask to see the goods, and stamp the paperwork. Note: This VAT Refund office moved last year to the front of the airport near the entry doors. It is no nonger at the back wall behind the airline check-in counters.
  • After checking in for your flight and passing departure Immigration, go to the VAT Refund window. It is in the area around gate D1 and the junction of the A,B,C,and D concourses. Sometimes it is okay, but last time I did this I had to wait around 20-25 minutes in line to get to a window to get my money, so allow yourself enough time, and do this first. For electronic stuff I've never been asked to show the stuff at the second VAT stop, only the first one. They might want to see it at the second stop for luxury goods, jewelry and such.

More VAT info is available here:

http://www.rd.go.th/...who.html#link02

Edited by Sam Drucker
Posted (edited)

Thanks for the update on the VAT Refund procedures.

I ended up buying the P7500/M16 (10.1/3G/16 GB) for 17,000, and no VAT Refund. I will get the Samsung USB and SD adapters, but 16 GB is fine for me.

The shop had the P6800/M16 (7.7) for 19,500, and no VAT refund. I think there are in very short supply for the time being so if you can get one from DTAC for 19,900 and VAT refund I would go for it.

Edited by lomatopo
Posted (edited)

Now I'm perplexed!

I really like the feature set on the 7.7, and have been about ready to buy one. As a single device I like the size of a 7.7 tablet. But, I've also had my eye on a Galaxy Note as a replacement phone. I really like the bigger screen for a phone, but the thought occurs to me that the Note and the 7.7 are so similar in size . . . so maybe the combination of a Note and a 10.1 tablet would make more sense? As I said earlier, I like the feature set of the 7.7, definitely better than the 10.1, so I wasn't really considering this strategy. Then I read today about a rumored Galaxy Note 10.1 to be introduced at the Mobile World Congress show in about 10 days. Supposedly a 10,1 that also uses the S-Pen like the Note has. Now this has my attention!

Of course, also on my wish list for a 10.1" tablet with Stylus would be Android 4.x/Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box, a Super Amoled screen of at least 1280x800 resolution (if not greater), and a microSD slot.

Guess I'll have to wait a while longer to find out what, when, and how much?

I saw a functioning 7.7 today and that Super AmoLED screen looked awesome!

http://techcrunch.co...over-the-place/

Edited by Sam Drucker
Posted (edited)

There is no question that waiting will always be the easiest choice. If you don't need a solution now then just wait.

Off the top of my head...

Why do you need a stylus? They look cool in the ads but what would you use it for?

A super AMOLED screen is great for a mobile phone where you will be outside, but a tablet may be used indoors more often. I love the screen on the current 10.1. (I have a super AMOLED screen on my phone.)

Android 3.1/3.2 is quite impressive on a Tab 10.1, I only hope ICS is at least as good, tablet-wise.

Personally I think an SGS2 and Tab 10.1 make a decent combination.

You can get an SD/uSD adapter, and a USB adapter for the Tabs' proprietary connector; they work great.

I find 16 GB on a Tab 10.1 to be more sufficient; figure what, 21 hours of AVIs?

Make sure you use any tablet: 7.7/8.9/10.1 for a while before buying. Personally I can't see buying a tablet smaller than a 10.1, and certainly not one without all the multi-tasking features of Android 3.x.

Edited by lomatopo
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