Iam intending to buy a new box and download Windows 8(1) Would it be better if I bought the disc myself for the shop to download, (matter of trust) and if so how much does Windows 8(1) cost? One more question, sim cards. I live in Chiang Mai and am also intending to purchase an I-pad and hence a sim card too. Is there a better service provider in Chiang Mai and do certain sim cards give a better speed, albeit at a bigger cost, thanks for any replies.

I admit that I'm not a tech expert (by a long shot), but do you mean you plan to buy a new computer and want to install a legitimate MS Operating system?

I've bought several new computers over the years and bought the current "real" MS operating system from the same shop that sold me the computer and had them install it. Never had a problem. Each has been registered & verified by MS online and I continue to get updates & fixes automatically from Microsoft.

If you use a proper computer shop, not some place operating in a back alley, there shouldn't be a problem.

As far as I know, a SIM card usually refers to the thing you put in a mobile phone issued by DTAC or AIS or True or ... Maybe you mean you want a wifi connection? Your question is a little confusing to me, but maybe that's just me.

An Apple iPad would come with the operating system installed and up-gradable automatically online ... at least mine has informed me it was installing the latest version a few times since purchase.

As Suradit69 says, you can buy Windows 8.1 in many of the larger shops and tech stores. If it doesn't already come bundled with the Machine you plan to purchase then you'll want to buy a RETAIL Version. Normally comes in a box with a DVD. Make sure the "install key" it legitimate with the Microsoft hologram.


As for the Apple iPad SIM...

Apple Asia -- Compare iPad Models

If you're thinking of purchasing an iPad Air 2 and want Mobile Internet along with WiFi, then make sure to purchase the

iPad Air 2

Wi‑Fi + Cellular:

Wi‑Fi (802.11a/​b/​g/​n/ac); dual channel (2.4GHz and 5GHz)

MIMO

Bluetooth 4.0 technology

Data only:
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900 MHz)

UMTS/​HSPA/​HSPA+/​DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz);

LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41)

Includes Apple SIM — U.S. and UK only.
NanoSIM from a Mobile Carrier/Operator running compatible Frequency(Band) and EDGE/CDMA/UMTS-HSPA+/LTE Technology

Any Thailand nano-sized SIM should work (AIS, DTAC, TOT3G, TrueMove-H, etc) so long as you are within their Data Internet coverage area.

Thanks everyone for your replies, I am starting to get there now!

Which SIM Carrier/Operator?

You'll probably do better actually asking a few near neighbors in Chiang Mai once you are there what mobile Internet service they subscribe to, why that one, and the cost.

I don't download movies, and usually just access email, a few forums, and stream SD videos from YouTube so I chose to use a TrueMove-H SIM and the 7/11 peg card special 59 baht 7-day 512kbps unlimited service. You may want/need faster so will need to chose between the many x-Gb Full-Speed-till-you-run-out subscriptions for a lot more money.