Hi.

I'm looking for a cheap device, new or secondhand for gf to do email and internet surfing (in bkk) to keep in touch with friends. The internet service is poor where we live so i was thinking about a small device that she could use that has wifi capability so she could use it when she goes out to coffee shops/plaza etc where there is free wifi. I'm not familiar with smart phones really but suggest them as she likes the look of bb's etc. However can they receive free internet over wifi in free locations or do they only receive internet through there own providers network. I do not want to pay for mobile internet because it will only be used lightly. In which case, is it better to go for a tablet or netbook that will work free in these locations. I've noticed second hand asus eee pc netbooks which i can get cheaply where i live and i think they would be a suitable option for what's required. I notice though that battery life often seems to be low on second hand items and as she will be using it outside maybe its better to go new. What's the starting price for new mobile smartphones/tablets/ netbooks in bkk currently. I would appreciate your comments and insight.

Many thanks.

I would be asking yr gf what she wants to be seen with as i have made the mistake before of buying what i consider is the best only to see it unused because it is not the right brand/colour/style etc.

I have a Asus Netbook myself and for what it is it is great for emails and other small tasks but forget about games on it . Plus it has USB ports, something ipads do not have.

Get her a Blackberry Playbook.

If you want her to be "happy" then let her choose what she wants based on what all her friends tell her. She must "look" good to her friends when they ask what phone/tablet she has. Status is everything with some people

Smartphones can connect to the internet through free wifi, no need to use the provider network.

Something like a Galaxy Mini for about 4,500 Baht (new) will do what you want.

Galaxy Mini would be a good choice due to price and capability; better than the Galaxy Y which looks very similar and costs a few hundred baht less but can't do Adobe Flash videos like the Mini which are common on the internet. See this Link for a comparison. And the Mini which comes with Android 2.2 installed can now be upgrade to Android 2.3 via download which is what the Galaxy Y comes with.

^I've just been looking at the Y and Mini and found the Y to be a few hundred Baht MORE expensive than the Mini.

They also have a dual SIM model Y for around 1,500 Baht more.

Edit: Thanks for the website by the way. It'll be useful to me in choosing a 'phone.

Hi.

Thanks for replies. The Galaxy mini sounds like a good option, although i was thinking in reality is it better to have a netbook with a larger screen for internet browsing. I think the galaxy would be fine for doing email but its small screen might become tiresome for internet use after a while.

Thanks.

All depends on whether you really want a device which will still mainly be used as a phone, not too big to stick up to the ear, not too big to easy carry in the pocket/purse, and can do internet surfing although having a small screen; a tablet is getting too big to easily carry around and stick up to the ear...and many would consider the screen still too small for easily surfing/viewing web sites...but it sure looks cool when setting in a coffee shop and using it.

A lot depends on how big of a device you want to carry around and how it will be predominately be used. Smartphones, tablets, and notebooks/laptops all have their places...all depends on how you plan to mostly use them. I expect the gf really just wants a nice (impressive) smartphone...but I'm sure she won't complain if getting a nice smartphone and a tablet (and would give extra hugs and kisses for a laptop also). Good luck.

I'll give it a bit more thought to decide on the right item.

Thanks.

Galaxy Tab 7"

8000 second hand, 16000 new

Add a bluetooth headset and she need never get it out of the bag for phone calls.

If you want her to be "happy" then let her choose what she wants based on what all her friends tell her. She must "look" good to her friends when they ask what phone/tablet she has. Status is everything with some people

If YOU want to be happy, get a girlfriend who isn't interested in such devices at all. A rare type I know, but still (just) possible. Never make the mistake of encouraging such pastimes as chatting, texting, surfing. It is a spiral to hell.

Buy what you like most....If GF doesn't like it, you have a nice new toy

A net-book will give you the most bang for the baht. It can't make calls but has USB ports and a memory stick slot. A decent phone for phone calls and SMS messages is cheap and the net-book screen will be 10 inches and much easier to use than an smart phone. Tablet screens are fragile and when you close the lid on the net-book, your screen is well protected.