made in Thailand

[sgt]

I've been pricing new computers and notice that although some (HP in particular) are mostly Thai models they are quite similar to what is available in the states. In comparing features, packages etc it becomes apparent quickly that the US models offer more for less. I had thought to just bring the tower in check in baggage but my next trip is one way here with no forseeable return to the states and I'm not sure I want to take up the extra room. Also the wife would "like" a computer here at the house, and that does carry some weight in decision making .

One of the major problems is the lack of software, not even Windows Vista much less 7 comes preloaded. Admitedly I could do without much of the bundle that came on my HPG70 laptop and have unloaded a bunch. Here starts a concern, I am quoted 4000bht for Windows 7 plus (or minus) some "extras" at the Harware House. I believe there is a Thai version of Windows 7, if so what is the difference between it and the version I would get in the states? There is no Thai software on my laptop and I still have problems with Thai language poping up on some websites that aren't Thai. I'm not too computer savy so keeping things simple is best.

Any, well most, comments, ideas etc would be appreciated.

Thanks

[BobHelm]

sgt, there are a lot of different answers to your problem. I think which solution is best for you depends very much on how computer savvy you are. Me, I would buy without any operating system & install Ubunto or one of the other Unix PC systems. However that is not for the faint hearted .
I think you should consider buying your operating system in the States & bringing it with you and then getting it loaded onto your new PC. This is an easy task for you to do yourself - personally I would NOT hand the disks over to anyone to load for you.
This way you will be paying the cheapest price for the genuine item & have the disks when you need them in the future.
If you buy the OS in Thailand you are running a large risk that it is not the genuine article, or not exactly what you though it was.
I understand that you will get a better deal on the hardware in BKK than in Udon, Not enough to warrant a special trip, but enough to make the effort if you are there.

[parrot]

My own experience:
Have one of the better shops here custom make your computer (assuming you're buying a tower). Add whatever features you choose. A legit copy of Windows is more expensive, but probably in the long run a better way to go. If'n'when you have problems with your computer, the local shops should be able to repair it easily. If you buy an HP/Compaq (or any kind of laptop) and you have problems, it'll likely have to go to Bangkok for repair.
When my third custom built tower (now nearly 5 years old) goes to the graveyard, I'm going to have another built. It works for me.

[jorg]

In comparing features, packages etc it becomes apparent quickly that the US models offer more for less.

That is because the suppliers of all this free, extra (many times unwanted) software actually pay the manufacturer to install this. I think that market is bigger in the States and in Europa than in Asia.

There is no Thai software on my laptop and I still have problems with Thai language poping up on some websites that aren't Thai.

I guess that happens when you're in Thailand? Because it is probably because a website notices (on your IP address) that you're from Thailand, and therefore assumes you are Thai. So it will send localised pop-up advertisements. I think all the modern browsers have pretty good pop-up killers to prevent this.

Further I have to agree with Bob, buy your Windows version in your own country and install it here.

[sgt]

Thanks for the quick replies. They have all been about what I expected.

I wish I did have the knowledge to install everything I needed, but I don't, although I can do the hardware upgrades. When it comes to the actual operating system I defer to someone that knows what they are doing. I am pretty sure that the operating system would be suspect if installed here, especially after the "smiles" and "winks" I got when inquiring about software. I agree, I would never let genuine disks out of sight.

I did think of having one built here, any suggestions for a shop? It appears that the Hardware House in the complex may do so and I did meet one man there that speaks english. The wife is good at most translations and negotiations but technology translations are a bit beyond the reach.

I'm thinking a not so perfect compromise may be to buy the equipment here, get it up and running with the Thai software and when I come back in May to bring Windows 7 disk and redo operating system. I do have Windows 7 waiting for me in the states now as an upgrade to the Vista system laptop I own, but I doubt it would work twice, knowing microsoft. Once the operating system was good to go, no problem adding necessary software.

Pop-ups not a problem, just some sites coming up in Thai instead of english, strange looking. Once I logged into HP Thailand I had a hell of a time getting back to HP USA. I had to find an old email from HP and use it. Google keeps coming up Google/th but I'm moving away from those guys quickly, too greedy. I guess a proxy ip would fix if I bothers me too much.

Thanks again for the help, as usual I need all I can get .

[UdonExpat]

There are 4 versions of Windows 7 in the US. 6 in Thailand.

http://windows7news.com/wp-content/uplo ... atures.jpg

[Stantheman]

sgt said

I'm thinking a not so perfect compromise may be to buy the equipment here, get it up and running with the Thai software and when I come back in May to bring Windows 7 disk and redo operating system.

sgt, just remember when you redo operating software it is best to do a clean full install(not upgrade) so none of the old software is on system. Also remember that the install disk will not be completely current so there may be many updates that need to be downloaded and installed which may take forever based on your connection at home in Udon. If planning on a desktop versus laptop I would still get one in U.S. and bring it tho LOS. To keep size/weight down you might look into a slom case desktop such as the Dell 545 series style.

[Farang1]

MY brother is the computer geek of our family. He has a computer service business in the States. I had asked him about Windows 7 as opposed to Vista and this was his answer. It may help you when you have your new computer built.

Vista is Windows ME v2. Windows 7 may be as good as XP, better if you get the 64 bit Ultimate or Professional versions. Windows 7 is not good enough to install on a computer with XP. If you get a new computer with Windows 7 then the only other thing to make sure of is that you max out the memory. You and Windows 7 will be happier.

[thalenoi]

I had 2 PC's made in Thailand, one at Udon's Hardware Hhouse.
They are as ignorant on the subject as anyone else in Thailand.
Both PC's were rubbish, although I decided on what went in the case. Bad assembly and ignorance.
I found several places in my amphur who claim to be computer shops, again they have no idea, one is the husband of my GF best friend, I gave him a go also

The one PC I had made at Hardware House I had a genuine Windows Vista installed, have DVD.
Software bought at these shops are4 fully legit.

I now ordered a HP at Hardware House. Win 7 preloaded.
Just plugged into power and registered.
Win 7 has language versions you just can add/load from their website.

For the time being I am impressed both with HP and Win 7

[jorg]

MY brother is the computer geek of our family. He has a computer service business in the States. I had asked him about Windows 7 as opposed to Vista and this was his answer. It may help you when you have your new computer built.

The problem is that it will be very difficult (or impossible) to buy a legal version of windows that's not Windows 7.

[rjj04]

Yeah, Udon computer professionals... so I was having some hardware problem on my little netbook, so took it into a "certified" repair shop here in Udon. Sat down next to the "technician" as he opened the netbook, pushed power button, started to boot normally. I dual boot with Ubuntu and XP, so went to a GRUB screen, at which point I watched the "technician" select the restore partition. This is supposed to be used when your primary Windows partition is hosed and you need to get back to a clean system. It reformats the drive! So, at this point I am a little bit worried, because he is just supposed to be checking out the hardware problem. Then the modal box comes up asking if you are sure you want to do this operation because you will lose all your data. Now I am getting worried... I think to myself, this guy is a professional, he must know what he is doing, certainly he must. Then yes, he hit the button and the process started.... at which point I slapped by palm to my forehead in utter disbelief. Then he saw me trying to maintain my composure before blowing up... and he realized what he had done. Then he tried to kill the process... which isn't possible... then had to kill the power. I could not believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really, this is a "certified" shop... at least they think they are. Luckily for me, I don't use XP much, and Windows always hogs the outside of the disk (since it is faster r/w). The XP partition was clobbered but the formatting didn't reach the Ubuntu partition before the power cut out. Lucky for me.

But, get this, I maintained my composer, and it was late, so just shrugged it off, and went home. The man said they could reload XP for me. So, went back the next day... okay here it is... they wanted 500 baht to reinstall XP that THEY FxxxedUP . Could not believe it... maintained composure again... and went to boss and got the charge dropped.

Moral to the story...some of these guys do not have a clue as to what they are doing. So, you better backup everything, if possible, when using a computer repair shop in these parts.

And... Jai Yen Yen

[LoongLee]

Jorg "The problem is that it will be very difficult (or impossible) to buy a legal version of windows that's not Windows 7"

Don't understand this quote,,,, some very large retailers here in the states were selling computers this Christmas that still had Windows XP loaded,,,, much less Vista.

[jorg]

Yes, i'm talking about buying a version of windows without a computer (so only buying the OS). I think you have to look very hard to find Windows XP.

[LoongLee]

Ah,,, now I understand your post. The best place is either Amazon.com or E-bay. Good luck. They have any version you want.

[parrot]

" Udon computer professionals"

Please allow me to amend my post about having a computer built here. I still stand by that statement...but agree with rjj04 about the software technicians. Most have no qualms about overburdening your computer with frivolous software/music/games, along with a startup that will overload/tax your ram. I can usually deal with that by insisting on them not installing the stuff or cleaning it up myself. My experience with the hardware, along with many of my friends who have had computers built here, has been very positive. Many years of trouble free operation. But I do my best to keep my computer away from those 'computer professionals' who install/service the software.