What Hardware/Software Does One Need To Convert Keyboard To Thai Alphabet?

[rockyysdt]

Thanks in advance.

If I gift an imported laptop, what will the Thai user need to allow a Thai alphabet keyboard?

Is it an overlay which goes over the keys?

If so, do different PC layouts cause a problem, and where would you buy one?

Or would the person buy a local keyboard and plug it into a usb port (cumbersome) and how much where?

If it's software where would this be sourced and how would it work?

cheers.

[Crossy]

Keyboard stickers are readily available from anywhere selling PC related stuff.

If the machine (or a similar model) is sold in Thailand then a local replacement keyboard should be easily obtained.

If you just want to display and enter Thai characters then (assuming Windows) simply installing the Thai fonts and telling the machine it has a Thai keyboard will suffice. If you want menus etc also in Thai then a localised version of Windows is needed.

If you have W7 Ultimate it can be configured so that different users get their menus in different languages.

[rockyysdt]

Keyboard stickers are readily available from anywhere selling PC related stuff.

If the machine (or a similar model) is sold in Thailand then a local replacement keyboard should be easily obtained.

If you just want to display and enter Thai characters then (assuming Windows) simply installing the Thai fonts and telling the machine it has a Thai keyboard will suffice. If you want menus etc also in Thai then a localised version of Windows is needed.

If you have W7 Ultimate it can be configured so that different users get their menus in different languages.

Most of the laptiops come with "Win7 Home Prem 64Bit".

Does this have the option you refer to?

Also, is the sticker option the best one for the laptop keyborad?

Are the stickers individual for each key and combine english/thai on each key?

Where would you buy them and is it an expensive exercise?

I'm familiar with products such as Word & Excel.

Do they have similar suites featuring Thai language?

[schondie]

The stickers are sold at places like Tesco for as little as 20 Baht, I believe.

For Microsoft Office (Word etc.) you can download the language packs for Thai users. A trusted computer shop may do this for you quite cheaply.

[aarn]

Simplest solution is to buy an external Thai keyboard (120B+ in Tesco etc).

Believe me, I thought about this a lot! God luck,AA

[BuddhistVirus]

Keyboard stickers are readily available from anywhere selling PC related stuff.

If the machine (or a similar model) is sold in Thailand then a local replacement keyboard should be easily obtained.

If you just want to display and enter Thai characters then (assuming Windows) simply installing the Thai fonts and telling the machine it has a Thai keyboard will suffice. If you want menus etc also in Thai then a localised version of Windows is needed.

If you have W7 Ultimate it can be configured so that different users get their menus in different languages.

Most of the laptiops come with "Win7 Home Prem 64Bit".

Does this have the option you refer to?

Also, is the sticker option the best one for the laptop keyborad?

Are the stickers individual for each key and combine english/thai on each key?

Where would you buy them and is it an expensive exercise?

I'm familiar with products such as Word & Excel.

Do they have similar suites featuring Thai language?

You can set Thai keyboard in windows 7 any edition. Ultimate is required to change locale.

Keyboard sticker is individual with both Thai and English character on them. Comes with black on white or white on black.

[ITGabs]

is not problem, I found a thai keybord for my old inspiron e1705 (6 years old)!! in bangkok so should be easy for new computers

[burgdawg]

,...keyboard stickers work fine. The grayish ones made by 3M tend to last longer, imho.

Grey rugged vinyl material with orangish Thai script and white passah Angkrit.

You have to load the Thai fonts into your Preferences. It a bunch of little tweaks, best to go to YouTube and

type in "Loading Thai fonts into Win 7" or whatever.

Yes, swapping out for a Thai keyboard is smart. Or just buy a slick bluetooth Mac keyboard that will work with Windows or Mac, 2600b.

Okay, fonts are loaded, how do you toggle between passah Ankrit and passah Tai?

Windows..you hit Shift+ALT.

It is not instant. Hit any key to engage and off you go.

Mac machines: much easier to toggle between Angkrit / Thai.

Depends on the year and model of machine. Older machines you toggle using the caps lock key.

The MacOS displays your language selection in the top toolbar, very handy.

More recent machines, you hit the Apple/CTRL button. No half-beat of typing a test key to engage.

I am running Win XP and when I clear out of Thai back into English, you have to hit Shift+ALT several times.

Aggravating.

Yes, I use my 13" MacBook almost all the time for pim passah Thai.

best of luck....

[rockyysdt]

The stickers are sold at places like Tesco for as little as 20 Baht, I believe.

For Microsoft Office (Word etc.) you can download the language packs for Thai users. A trusted computer shop may do this for you quite cheaply.

Is a "language pack" an option which upgrades Word etc to allow it to run in different languages?

Are these free downloads and is there a trusted site recommended to download them?

[rockyysdt]

Simplest solution is to buy an external Thai keyboard (120B+ in Tesco etc).

Believe me, I thought about this a lot! God luck,AA

Tell me more AA.

The external keyboard sounds like it would sort out the issue, but doesn't that make the laptop less portable and more fiddly?

What benefit did you enjoy over the sticker option?

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Some mixed advice here.

Two options to change the Multilingual User Interface language packs. One is to use Vistalizator and the other is to update the system to Ultimate and then to install the pck via Windows Update(I can show you how to do that in a few seconds, once you have the laptop in your hands).

The same thing with Microsoft Office. In this case you will need the Thai language pack if you also intend to use the laptop.

All easily done.

What laptop and which OS?

[rockyysdt]

Some mixed advice here.

Two options to change the Multilingual User Interface language packs. One is to use Vistalizator and the other is to update the system to Ultimate and then to install the pck via Windows Update(I can show you how to do that in a few seconds, once you have the laptop in your hands).

The same thing with Microsoft Office. In this case you will need the Thai language pack if you also intend to use the laptop.

All easily done.

What laptop and which OS?

Thanks J J.

I'm just doing advanced research.

I'll probably be buying a laptop before I travel next May.

I haven't chosen a model yet, but I prefer doing advanced research and buying something which is best value for money and suitable for what it's intended to do.

I was planning to buy one in Australia before travelling as I'm familiar with the retail market and can research my purchase.

I think over the next the next nine months prices will come down appreciably and I'll be able to pick up untis with a better spec.

Do you think I'm better off buying in Bangkok and having it loaded on purchase?

Most of the laptops over here come standard with Windows 7 Home 64 bit.

Is ultimate expensive?

many thanks.

[AyG]

Buy in Thailand. The laptop will come without a proper operating system, so you don't have to pay the Microsoft tax for having Windows preinstalled. The VAT/purchase tax on the computer will probably be lower in Thailand too. (Currently 7%, I think.) And the keyboard will be in Thai.

Then you have to make a decision: install an illegal copy of Thai language Windows (very cheap); install a legal copy of WIndows (ludicrously expensive); or install Linux (free). Of the three, Linux makes the most sense to me. (But then, I haven't used a Microsoft product for almost ten years.) Mint is my current favourite flavour of Linux, but Ubuntu may be a little easier for a newbie.

[rockyysdt]

Buy in Thailand. The laptop will come without a proper operating system, so you don't have to pay the Microsoft tax for having Windows preinstalled. The VAT/purchase tax on the computer will probably be lower in Thailand too. (Currently 7%, I think.) And the keyboard will be in Thai.

Then you have to make a decision: install an illegal copy of Thai language Windows (very cheap); install a legal copy of WIndows (ludicrously expensive); or install Linux (free). Of the three, Linux makes the most sense to me. (But then, I haven't used a Microsoft product for almost ten years.) Mint is my current favourite flavour of Linux, but Ubuntu may be a little easier for a newbie.

These are the sorts of prices over here.

http://www.msy.com.a...ts/notebook.pdf

Multiply by 31 baht to the dollar and I'm looking at around 10,000 to 11,000 baht for a $360 dollar laptop.

Is this the kind of prices available in Bangkok?

[bino]

Buy in Thailand. The laptop will come without a proper operating system, so you don't have to pay the Microsoft tax for having Windows preinstalled. The VAT/purchase tax on the computer will probably be lower in Thailand too. (Currently 7%, I think.) And the keyboard will be in Thai.

Then you have to make a decision: install an illegal copy of Thai language Windows (very cheap); install a legal copy of WIndows (ludicrously expensive); or install Linux (free). Of the three, Linux makes the most sense to me. (But then, I haven't used a Microsoft product for almost ten years.) Mint is my current favourite flavour of Linux, but Ubuntu may be a little easier for a newbie.

These are the sorts of prices over here.

http://www.msy.com.a...ts/notebook.pdf

Multiply by 31 baht to the dollar and I'm looking at around 10,000 to 11,000 baht for a $360 dollar laptop.

Is this the kind of prices available in Bangkok?

Yes - they are available. Look here: http://www.invadeit.co.th/category/notebooks-laptops/ Scroll down to see the cheaper models.

These prices are also slightly high, because the products are delivered to your door. You can get better prices at Pantip / Fortune / Computer stores.

Definitely buy locally. This way the recipient of your gift will have a genuine Thai keyboard, and a Thailand warranty if something goes wrong.

Just about every shop is willing to install a "Thailand version" of Windows on the computers they sell. They will also configure the language setup for you. IMO- stickers are a horrible solution. Even the best / expensive ones eventually come unstuck and end up being a gooey mess on your computer.

[rockyysdt]

Buy in Thailand. The laptop will come without a proper operating system, so you don't have to pay the Microsoft tax for having Windows preinstalled. The VAT/purchase tax on the computer will probably be lower in Thailand too. (Currently 7%, I think.) And the keyboard will be in Thai.

Then you have to make a decision: install an illegal copy of Thai language Windows (very cheap); install a legal copy of WIndows (ludicrously expensive); or install Linux (free). Of the three, Linux makes the most sense to me. (But then, I haven't used a Microsoft product for almost ten years.) Mint is my current favourite flavour of Linux, but Ubuntu may be a little easier for a newbie.

These are the sorts of prices over here.

http://www.msy.com.a...ts/notebook.pdf

Multiply by 31 baht to the dollar and I'm looking at around 10,000 to 11,000 baht for a $360 dollar laptop.

Is this the kind of prices available in Bangkok?

Yes - they are available. Look here: http://www.invadeit....ebooks-laptops/ Scroll down to see the cheaper models.

These prices are also slightly high, because the products are delivered to your door. You can get better prices at Pantip / Fortune / Computer stores.

Definitely buy locally. This way the recipient of your gift will have a genuine Thai keyboard, and a Thailand warranty if something goes wrong.

Just about every shop is willing to install a "Thailand version" of Windows on the computers they sell. They will also configure the language setup for you. IMO- stickers are a horrible solution. Even the best / expensive ones eventually come unstuck and end up being a gooey mess on your computer.

You've convinced me B.

I'll have to do research over the months to track down the best deals.

An initial glance only shows two laptops (Compaq) anywhere near my budget.

I hope I'll have a selection of well priced units when the time comes.

[rockyysdt]

Just about every shop is willing to install a "Thailand version" of Windows on the computers they sell. They will also configure the language setup for you. IMO- stickers are a horrible solution.

Does the Thai Windows version have language options?

Do they load them with Thai Word/Excel and is this switchable to English?

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Some mixed advice here.

Two options to change the Multilingual User Interface language packs. One is to use Vistalizator and the other is to update the system to Ultimate and then to install the pck via Windows Update(I can show you how to do that in a few seconds, once you have the laptop in your hands).

The same thing with Microsoft Office. In this case you will need the Thai language pack if you also intend to use the laptop.

All easily done.

What laptop and which OS?

Thanks J J.

I'm just doing advanced research.

I'll probably be buying a laptop before I travel next May.

I haven't chosen a model yet, but I prefer doing advanced research and buying something which is best value for money and suitable for what it's intended to do.

I was planning to buy one in Australia before travelling as I'm familiar with the retail market and can research my purchase.

I think over the next the next nine months prices will come down appreciably and I'll be able to pick up untis with a better spec.

Do you think I'm better off buying in Bangkok and having it loaded on purchase?

Most of the laptops over here come standard with Windows 7 Home 64 bit.

Is ultimate expensive?

many thanks.

I certainly wouldn't buy a laptop in Thailand only to put a shonky copy of Windows 7 on. Who does that?

You can get some proper bargains in the UK with a pre-installed OS. Can easily obtain a decent brand name for just over the equivalent of 10000 baht, so really no need to buy a laptop without an OS.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Buy in Thailand. The laptop will come without a proper operating system, so you don't have to pay the Microsoft tax for having Windows preinstalled. The VAT/purchase tax on the computer will probably be lower in Thailand too. (Currently 7%, I think.) And the keyboard will be in Thai.

Then you have to make a decision: install an illegal copy of Thai language Windows (very cheap); install a legal copy of WIndows (ludicrously expensive); or install Linux (free). Of the three, Linux makes the most sense to me. (But then, I haven't used a Microsoft product for almost ten years.) Mint is my current favourite flavour of Linux, but Ubuntu may be a little easier for a newbie.

These are the sorts of prices over here.

http://www.msy.com.a...ts/notebook.pdf

Multiply by 31 baht to the dollar and I'm looking at around 10,000 to 11,000 baht for a $360 dollar laptop.

Is this the kind of prices available in Bangkok?

Yes - they are available. Look here: http://www.invadeit....ebooks-laptops/ Scroll down to see the cheaper models.

These prices are also slightly high, because the products are delivered to your door. You can get better prices at Pantip / Fortune / Computer stores.

Definitely buy locally. This way the recipient of your gift will have a genuine Thai keyboard, and a Thailand warranty if something goes wrong.

Just about every shop is willing to install a "Thailand version" of Windows on the computers they sell. They will also configure the language setup for you. IMO- stickers are a horrible solution. Even the best / expensive ones eventually come unstuck and end up being a gooey mess on your computer.

You've convinced me B.

I'll have to do research over the months to track down the best deals.

An initial glance only shows two laptops (Compaq) anywhere near my budget.

I hope I'll have a selection of well priced units when the time comes.

Once you have installed 'shonky' software, you are at the mercy of the person who installed it when it comes to maintenance. With a pre-installed OS, you have the option of a Factory Restore, both by optical disc and hard drive.

Try doing that with your dodgy OS and you may become unstuck.

With a pre-installed OS, you have a very easy option to upgrade. In addition, there is the option to upgrade to Windows 8 for a small price.

So there are swings and roundabouts.

Unless you know what you are doing, keep it simple.

[bino]

I certainly wouldn't buy a laptop in Thailand only to put a shonky copy of Windows 7 on. Who does that?

Just about every Thai I know.

You can get some proper bargains in the UK with a pre-installed OS. Can easily obtain a decent brand name for just over the equivalent of 10000 baht, so really no need to buy a laptop without an OS.

Problem is... only the top-end laptops have an international warranty. Cheap models have carry-in, in-country warranties.

[bino]

Once you have installed 'shonky' software, you are at the mercy of the person who installed it when it comes to maintenance. With a pre-installed OS, you have the option of a Factory Restore, both by optical disc and hard drive.

Try doing that with your dodgy OS and you may become unstuck.

With a pre-installed OS, you have a very easy option to upgrade. In addition, there is the option to upgrade to Windows 8 for a small price.

So there are swings and roundabouts.

Unless you know what you are doing, keep it simple.

Not so. You can go to any of the shonky software stores in Fortune / Pantip when you buy the computer and buy a Windows Installer disk for 150 THB, and give to the shop to install for you. This way you have the matching original installer disk if you ever need to repair or reformat. I have one of these disks, and it has every flavor of Win 7 from Home Premium to Enterprise on it. It works fine and passes validation.

My own laptop has a genuine OS, because I travel a lot with it and don't want to get caught out at an airport / customs somewhere without a Windows Sticker on it. For the average Thai that doesn't travel and doesn't care, I have no problem installing a copy version for them.

[bino]

Does the Thai Windows version have language options?

Do they load them with Thai Word/Excel and is this switchable to English?

Thai Windows version I refer to is a shonky version as described above. All versions of Windows have language options. You can install the language from the "Windows Update" once the computer is running.

You can get an MS Office disk for 150 THB at the shonky software store, and ask the shop to install it at the same time. If you have installed the language as above, it will be switchable.

[rockyysdt]

Does the Thai Windows version have language options?

Do they load them with Thai Word/Excel and is this switchable to English?

Thai Windows version I refer to is a shonky version as described above. All versions of Windows have language options. You can install the language from the "Windows Update" once the computer is running.

You can get an MS Office disk for 150 THB at the shonky software store, and ask the shop to install it at the same time. If you have installed the language as above, it will be switchable.

I understand what you're saying and appreciate how well the copied OS programs perform, but over here, when one buys a new PC or Laptop the purchase price includes an official OS program and serial number.

Isn't that the case in Thailand.

If I buy a new well priced Laptop at Pantip/Fortune or other markets, won't this come with genuine OS software?

[bino]

Does the Thai Windows version have language options?

Do they load them with Thai Word/Excel and is this switchable to English?

Thai Windows version I refer to is a shonky version as described above. All versions of Windows have language options. You can install the language from the "Windows Update" once the computer is running.

You can get an MS Office disk for 150 THB at the shonky software store, and ask the shop to install it at the same time. If you have installed the language as above, it will be switchable.

I understand what you're saying and appreciate how well the copied OS programs perform, but over here, when one buys a new PC or Laptop the purchase price includes an official OS program and serial number.

Isn't that the case in Thailand.

If I buy a new well priced Laptop at Pantip/Fortune or other markets, won't this come with genuine OS software?

No. Almost every computer in Thailand is sold without an operating system. If there is anything it will have a Linux distro like Ubuntu.

The only way to get a genuine factory installed OS is to specifically ask for it, and it is normally available only on top-end computers, at a premium price.

You can buy the Genuine OS and install it, but this will cost 4000 (ish) for Home Premium, and upwards for better versions.

[bino]

Just out of curiosity, who is the end user receiving the gift? Will it be your Thai Teerak who will only use it for email, websurfing, chat with you in Oz? If so, why not consider a netbook instead? They come considerably cheaper, and are a more lightweight / portable machine.

A netbook like this has more power than the average user will ever need, unless they are a serious gamer or into digital video editing, etc.

I recommend Asus - they invented the netbook and still do it best. I've been brand-loyal to them for years and never had any problems with their gear.

If you really care about her, don't buy an Acer product.

http://www.invadeit.co.th/category/netbooks/

As mentioned before, these prices are high. Lots of netbooks in Fortune / Pantip for less than 10K.

[rockyysdt]

Just out of curiosity, who is the end user receiving the gift? Will it be your Thai Teerak who will only use it for email, websurfing, chat with you in Oz? If so, why not consider a netbook instead? They come considerably cheaper, and are a more lightweight / portable machine.

A netbook like this has more power than the average user will ever need, unless they are a serious gamer or into digital video editing, etc.

I recommend Asus - they invented the netbook and still do it best. I've been brand-loyal to them for years and never had any problems with their gear.

If you really care about her, don't buy an Acer product.

http://www.invadeit....egory/netbooks/

As mentioned before, these prices are high. Lots of netbooks in Fortune / Pantip for less than 10K.

No, not for a teerak.

I think most peoples teeraks go for Samsung Galaxy S3's or IPhone 4S's for the duties you mention.

I personally use an Asus EeeePC Netbook when travelling.

Small enough not to be a millstone around my neck, but allows a multitude of tasks while on the road.

The Laptop is for a young male student who'd be considerably disadvantaged without such technology.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

I certainly wouldn't buy a laptop in Thailand only to put a shonky copy of Windows 7 on. Who does that?

Just about every Thai I know.

You can get some proper bargains in the UK with a pre-installed OS. Can easily obtain a decent brand name for just over the equivalent of 10000 baht, so really no need to buy a laptop without an OS.

Problem is... only the top-end laptops have an international warranty. Cheap models have carry-in, in-country warranties.

That is wrong. I bought an extended 3 year International Warranty for a bog standard Toshiba for around 2500 baht.

Prices have gone up now, but you can still get a two year two year International warranty for less than 2000 baht

I don't mix with the lowest common denominator. Just because others take the low road, it does not mean that you should follow.

[bino]

The Laptop is for a young male student who'd be considerably disadvantaged without such technology.

Fair enough- if the student would get more usage from a full sized laptop, then that is the way to go.

That is wrong. I bought an extended 3 year International Warranty for a bog standard Toshiba for around 2500 baht.

Prices have gone up now, but you can still get a two year two year International warranty for less than 2000 baht

I don't mix with the lowest common denominator. Just because others take the low road, it does not mean that you should follow.

It is clear now that the OP is trying to do something very generous for a Thai person, and do it within a budget that he can manage easily. Paying another 2000 - 2500 is just going to increase the cost of the laptop by 20-25%, and blow the OP's budget to h*ll.

Furthermore, the extra-cost international warranty would probably be overkill / unnecessary for a Thai student who will be studying here during the term of the warranty and not traveling extensively. Not to come off as condescending, but a Thai family that does not have the resources to buy a laptop for their child are hardly going to be jetsetters. The manufacturers domestic warranty that comes with the product would be perfectly sufficient and not cost a satang extra.

A laptop purchased in Thailand for a Thai person with a Thai warranty is hardly the low road.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

The Laptop is for a young male student who'd be considerably disadvantaged without such technology.

Fair enough- if the student would get more usage from a full sized laptop, then that is the way to go.

That is wrong. I bought an extended 3 year International Warranty for a bog standard Toshiba for around 2500 baht.

Prices have gone up now, but you can still get a two year two year International warranty for less than 2000 baht

I don't mix with the lowest common denominator. Just because others take the low road, it does not mean that you should follow.

It is clear now that the OP is trying to do something very generous for a Thai person, and do it within a budget that he can manage easily. Paying another 2000 - 2500 is just going to increase the cost of the laptop by 20-25%, and blow the OP's budget to h*ll.

Furthermore, the extra-cost international warranty would probably be overkill / unnecessary for a Thai student who will be studying here during the term of the warranty and not traveling extensively. Not to come off as condescending, but a Thai family that does not have the resources to buy a laptop for their child are hardly going to be jetsetters. The manufacturers domestic warranty that comes with the product would be perfectly sufficient and not cost a satang extra.

A laptop purchased in Thailand for a Thai person with a Thai warranty is hardly the low road.

What are you thinking??

An International Warranty on a laptop bought abroad would mean that it would have a warranty in Thailand. What has jetsetting to do with it?

The problem is not the Thai machine, but the bogus OS.. Which you admit would cost up to 4000 baht for the genuine software.

So the choice is less than 2000 baht for a two year warranty or 4000 baht for a genuine OS?

Your thinking is seriously flawed. The low road is using a hacked OS in Thailand "because everyone else does it".

[bino]

What are you thinking??

An International Warranty on a laptop bought abroad would mean that it would have a warranty in Thailand.

So- you're saying that the OP should spend an extra 2000 THB for the privilege of buying a computer overseas that will be covered by warranty in Thailand? If he buys it here, this money can be saved.

What has jetsetting to do with it?

The student who is receiving the laptop is unlikely to be traveling internationally, and doesn't need an international warranty. When / if he has problems with the laptop, he will take it to a service center in Thailand and needs a warranty that will be honored here. Whether it is your extra cost solution or the warranty that comes with a product sold here won't make any difference.

The problem is not the Thai machine, but the bogus OS.. Which you admit would cost up to 4000 baht for the genuine software.

So the choice is less than 2000 baht for a two year warranty or 4000 baht for a genuine OS?

I don't understand what you say about a "choice" here. As I see it, both are needed. A valid warranty is only prudent so that the student can fix his laptop if needed. The operating system- well... the computer is basically useless without it!

They have no bearing on each other - the warranty will cover the hardware only. Whether the OS is microsoft genuine or not will not invalidate the warranty.

Your thinking is seriously flawed. The low road is using a hacked OS in Thailand "because everyone else does it".

Why do you suppose everyone else does it? In a country where the average wage is 8000 per month, 4000 is not an inconsiderable sum. Since you are insistent on a genuine operating system, I'm sure that you will be adamant about a genuine version of MS Office. This will cost 3-4000 for the most basic version (Home & Student) which only includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote. A more useful version (Home & Business) will cost 7-8000.

I won't say that your logic of the OP needing to double his budget to accomplish this project with an international warranty and genuine software is flawed- in a dream world with unlimited budgets, it is the perfect solution. However, I'm sure you will agree that money does not grow on trees in the real world. I know that I could walk into Fortune Town tomorrow with 10,000 in my pocket, buy a good branded laptop with a valid Thai warranty and loaded with all of the essential software, and probably have enough left over to pay for lunch and cab fare. This is what the OP wants to do, and it is achievable.