PattayaDavid
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Posts posted by PattayaDavid
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I just bought a 1994 525. It has a 3 liter 6 cyl twin turbo fron a Toyota Supra. I believe this motor has alot more power than the standard engine. It runs great. I am looking to put stock springs back in to raise it up some because it has been lowered and rides to rough. Other than that it is a great combo. The 3 series is about 600 lbs lighter and about 10 inches shorter. I guess if ti were a race car I would worry but it is a family car for me.
I was just going to bring up the issue of originality. TVMAX, you may be happy with your Toyota Supra powered BMW, however I would suspect that there are a lot of older model BMW's on the market for sale that no longer have original drivetrain installed (ie. engine, tranny etc.) that are substandard to the original drivetrain. Replacement cost of original BMW drivetrain components are expensive so I suspect that many Thais will opt out for a cheaper solution when these components fail.
If you expect to pay a premium price for a used BMW, I would suggest that you have it inspected for original equipment, not some second-hand components pulled out of a junk or wrecked car.
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I too experience power fluctuations at my house which causes my UPS backup to beep, warning me that the power source has changed over to UPS battery backup power. Under these conditions, neither my computer nor my router have experienced a power loss resulting in failure.
Are you sure that you have the Router plugged into the correct recepticle on the UPS Backup? My UPS has 6 power recepticles, 3 of them provide power plus backup in case of a power failure and the other 3 only provide surge protection. You want to plug your router into the recepticles that provide battery backup.
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It seems that every BMW forum I have read, owners have complained of power window motors failing. This seems to be a long-term problem that has affected a broad range of models and carried over with each model change.
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I have to agree that in the 4 years that I have lived in Pattaya, I have had nothing but good experiences living among the Thai people, but with one exception. It seems to me that the attitudes of Thai people, not just in Pattaya but throughout Thailand, changes drastically when they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle or motorbike. The smiles, the courtesy and general laid back friendliness displayed in person abruptly turns into determined aggression and the "me only" mentality once they get behind the wheel. It's a daily frustration and I seldom ever arrive at my destination without feeling some level of anger followed by the feeling that well, I didn't get into an accident and have cheated death again. Motorbike riders practicularly dare you to hit them and drivers of cars and trucks pretend that you aren't even on the road when they decide to pull out in front of you, change lanes, run a red light as they drive along their merry way with full blinders on.
I know that this issue had been discussed extensively on this forum, but I just wanted to reinterate a little of the negative side of Thai people to go along with the fluff.
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I think that for us Americans, the recession has almost worked in reverse for us living in Thailand. Yes, the prices have gone up, but the dollar had been down for several years now and is currently making a modest comeback and helps to lessen the blow. As far as home prices go, the prices of homes have dropped drastically in the United States, but I don't see any reasonable decrease in homes or condos here in Thailand considering that we are supposed to be in a global recession. I'll acknowledge a recession in Thailand when the economy crashes as it did in 1997 and foreign currencies climb through roof. In my opinion, the Thai Baht is still considerably strong whether deservedlydeservedly or artificially so.
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I just accomplished this in my own home...going thru True instead of trying to do it myself...in part because the added wiring I needed had to travel a somewhat difficult path.
Indeed, True's list price to do this is a ridiculous 7000 baht or so for the install. But, check their web site and list of specials and promotions, because they often seem to be running one that includes a second installation.
I did that recently, and got the second TV with separate box and card done for an install fee of just 1,000 baht plus a refundable 2,000 baht deposit on the box. I also have Gold Package, though they would have done this under any programming package.
The extra monthly cost under the deal I did is only to pay the extra 155 baht monthly rental for the receiver box. There was/is no extra programming charge for having the second outlet.
I did that under something they called their Truevisions SIM promotion, which you qualify for by having/using a True Mobile SIM mobile phone plan for at least 300 baht per month. I already had and was using the True SIM for my mobile, so that was really nothing extra for me.
I should add...I'd been wanting to do this for some months, but had been put off by the ridiculous True 7,000 baht price, and, at the same time, I didn't know who to contact in BKK who could do a third-party solution to me. But in the end, it was good I waited and finally found a decent promotion for what I wanted.
Do I understand correctly that you were able to obtain a 2nd Gold Package card at no additional monthly charge just by having a True Mobile SIM phone plan? If so, I may have to look into this because I have to pay an additional 50% of a regular full subscription for my 2nd card with the Platinum package.
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I was at CarreFour today and saw some of the Acer and Asus models. One thing I noticed was that all of the Acer's used the reflective displays while some, if not all of the Asus models were offered with non-reflective displays which I normally prefer.
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Does anyone know of any Wi-Fi hotspots along Jomtien beach road that could be accessed from the beach? I don't mind taking the kids to the beach, but I can only take so much of it myself; I would like to be able to do some browsing while putting down a few brews.
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It took me nearly TWO HOURS to drive from Lotus (Sukhumvit), to my home near Wat Suttawat, at the east end of Nern Plub Warn. Most of that time was spent in total gridlock on the western "Relief road" paralelling the railroad tracks. The reason for the gridlock was total chaos at each of the intersections at Khao Talo, Khao Noi, and Nern Plub Warn.
And let's turn back the clock a bit, shall we? Let's go back to many months ago, when I posted the obvious fact that the "Relief Road" should never have been opened until traffic lights were both in place (which they are, at some intersections), AND OPERATIONAL (which they have never been at these constantly clogged and dangerous intersections)!! Any idiot could have foreseen the need for traffic control at these intersections.
These intersections are GRIDLOCK WAITING TO HAPPEN at the slighest increase in normal traffic flow. Again, A FREAKING MONKEY COULD SEE THAT COMING!!
Good rant but, oh! the irony.
Many months ago, you accurately predicted the gridlock on the "relief road" - So why did you choose to use the "relief road" tonight?
There were delays on the Sukhumvit, but nothing approaching what you suffered. I know, I was there.
This is a 2-3 times a year occurance (storm coinciding with rush hour), a bit like the half inch of snow that usually brings traffic to a standstill in the uk.
No reason to dismiss the whole police force who, by the way, are doing a great job of enforcing the helmet laws.
I live off Soi Khaw Noi and it took me 3 hours to get home from Jomtien beach yesterday. Yeah, there was some flooding on Sukhumvit, but along my route I didn't see more than a foot of water at any point, surely not enough to result in a total traffic stoppage. I didn't use the relief road on the railroad tracks; I couldn't even if I wanted to because the traffic was backed up into Sukhumvit at all of the intersections that connect Sukhumvit to the relief road. I eventually made my way to the Central Road intersection, made a U-turn only then to form up in the long line to make the left turn on to Soi Khaw Noi.
I agree that the relief road as it was constructed (still not completed mind you), is a total disaster. I had been telling my wife all along that it will be a total mess if they don't install operational traffic lights. What's the excuse for it? It can't be that they didn't have time because its taken forever for them to construct this road. They would start working on it then nothing for months then begin working again. Also, don't just blame the heavy downpour for the traffic problems; this is a daily occurrence late afternoon, early evening at the intersections along this relief road. The new exit off of Highway 7 crossing the relief road and entering Sukhumvit in the vicinity of Pattaya Nua will not help with traffic flow on Sukhumvit unless they plan for additional exits off of this road or Highway 7 to gain access to the east side of Pattaya. I would have preferred this new exit to have extended further south past Jomtien or at least past Lotus with multiple exits to the east side Soi's.
I generally don't like to drive around Pattaya that often on a Saturday, especially to Jomtien beach, but we had in-laws visiting from up north, leaving today, and wanted to go to the beach before they go back home. Otherwise, I would have only known about the Sukhomvit chaos through this website.
Pattayadavid
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At Pantip today looked at many brands, models, prices, ultimately seems to be 2 choices:
1. ASUS EEPC 1000H, 1.6 processor, 512 RAM, 80G HDD, Windows XP, 15,900Baht incl VAT.
2. ACER Aspire A150, 1.6 processor, 1024 RAM, 120G HDD, Windows XP, 15,920Baht incl VAT.
Do both of these models come with original Windows XP or a copied version which would be totally useless once you begin downloading Windows Updates?
Pattayadavid
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It all depends on what you want. Do you want two independent systems (2 boxes with 2 cards) or do you just want 2 boxes and you will move the card from room to room? If you want a second card, I believe, but don't quote me on this, they will charge you about 50% more on your subscription for th second card. As for boxes, you could rent another box, but I prefer to use my own boxes when possible. I have 3 boxes set up in my house, one rental because of the Thai language menu capabilities and 2 Humax boxes that I brought with me when I moved to Thailand.
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I am working in digital imaging/pre-press. A few years ago it was unthinkable to work with something which was not bearing the name "Apple".
In the meantime our color corrections/proof is mixed 50% Acer and Sony and 50% Apple.
We use glossy and dull which is sometimes job dependent. Personally I prefer glossy screen.
If you want a clear display and a reasonable priced 24' monitor, try Acer. You will not be disappointed or regret the purchase.
We use Acer for color corrections!
Thank you for your reply. I've only seen the HP 2448hc in the stores thus far, but I will look into the Acer and Sony models. By the way, is the Apple monitor glossy or matte? How about the Acer and Sony models? Could you list some model numbers of the 24 inch glossy and matte screened monitors that you use and like? I like the way that the HP monitor stand offers both vertical and tilt adjustments as well as 90 degree rotation for portrait viewing, however as stated in my original post, I am concerned as to it's use of a glossy screen.
One of my concerns is that I have read that a lot of people state that the glossy displays are best for viewing DVD movies and working with graphics and photo editing due to their color rendition qualities. I don't think that reflection will be much of a factor for me because I will be using it in my home office that has no windows in back of me, however I do use overhead lighting at night. Do you experience any reflection problems from overhead lighting?
My main concern is with general text rendering. I use my computer primarily for working with documents, financials, use with programs such as Quicken, Microsoft Office 2007, email and web surfing such as the Thai Visa website and viewing videos such as those on YouTube when it works over here. Does the glossy display provide the same quality of rich crisp text that is normally experienced with a matte finished display?
What do you find to be the significant differences between the matte and glossy finish displays? pros and cons?
While checking the Thai websites, in addition to the HP 2448hc, I have come across two other 24" HP LCD displays, the older model HP LP2465 and the newer model LP2475w, both with matte displays, but more expensive than the 2448hc due to their use of more high tech display technology such as S-IPS versus TN used in the 2448hc. These two models are better suited for business and work stations as they don't have some of the connections and web cam as on the 2448hc which is supposedly better suited for home use.
Does the Acer and Sony models that you use in your office use the TN display technology or do they use one of the higher performace display technologies?
My 22 inch Samsung also uses the TN display and works well when I am viewing from directly in front of it, but if I move off center, especially vertically, it darkens rather quickly. Display technologies such as S-IPS and PVA provide approximately 178 deg viewing both horizontally and vertically providing a better and more uniform brightness balance across the display.
As stated, I currently use a matte finish 22" Samsung LCD. In your opinion, do you think that a 24 inch display such as the HP or Acer models would be a significate and worthwhile upgrade to the 22 inch Samsung?
Thank you,
Pattayadavid
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I have the HP 2448hc. I am very happy with it..it also has audio and a camera included in the screen..if you are into that sort of thing.
It's good to see a post from someone who actually owns and uses the HP 2448hc display. A lot of people state that the glossy displays are best for viewing DVD movies and working with graphics and photo editing due to their color rendition qualities. I don't think that reflection will be much of a factor for me because I will be using it in my home office that has no windows in back of me. Do you experience any reflection problems from overhead lighting? Can you elaborate a bit as to how you primarily use your monitor? My main concern is with general text rendering. I use my computer primarily for working with documents, financials, use with programs such as Quicken, email and web surfing. Does this display provide the same quality of rich crisp text that is normally experienced with a matte finished display?
Have you used matte finished displays before and how does this display compare to them? I currently use a matte finish 22" Samsung LCD. In your opinion, do you think that the HP 2448hc would be a significate upgrade to the Samsung?
Checking the Thai websites and HP brochures, I have come across two other 24" HP LCD displays, the older model HP LP2465 and the newer model LP2475w, both with matte displays, but more expensive than the 2448hc due to their use of more high tech display technology such as S-IPS ver TN used in the 2448hc. These two models are better suited for business and work stations as they don't have some of the connections and web cam as on the 2448hc which is better suited for home use.
If you had it to do over again, would you still purchase the HP 2448hc? Where can it be purchased and for how much?
Sorry for asking so much of you; I understand if you choose not to reply.
Thanks,
Pattayadavid
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I've been looking at purchasing a 24" LCD computer display for a while now, but they have in the past been slow to arrive in Thailand. I am presently using a 22" Samsung 226BW which has the flat dull non-reflective finish and I have been very satisfied with it thus far.
I've never really paid any attention to the shiny, glossy reflective style displays, but I was at Tukcom yesterday and saw the HP w2448hc for sale. It was on display, but it was not connected and the screen the foam packing protection had yet to be removed. I think I have a bias towards the flat dull LCD as both my desktop and notebook computers have this design, but I would like to get opinions from you as to the pros and cons of the shiny, glossy reflective design LCD displays as compared to the flat, dull non-reflective design, also which of the two styles you prefer.
Thanks,
pattayadavid
PS. Are there other 24" displays available in Thailand that you think are better quality?
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I attended the World Championship 2008 bowling tournament in Bangkok several weeks ago and recorded some bowling footage over the course of the tournament on my Sony Handycam model DCR-PC105 Pal. I would like to copy or transfer this video and audio footage to DVD using my computer. My Sony Handycam has a 4-pin Firewire connector, but my PC has a 6-pin connector. I have a 4-pin firewire cable, is it possible to purchase an adaptor to convert 4-pin to 6-pin or do I need to purchase a new cable that has one 4-pin and one 6-pin connector?
In the absence of a 6-pin cable, I guess I could use my laptop to do the transfer. What I think I need from you is your software recommendation for making this transfer smooth and easy. What format do you recommend I use to save the video .avi etc.? Any how-to tips in order to avoid a hair pulling experience? I presently have Nero 7.9 Premium loaded on my computer, is this a good program to use? I am open to any and all suggestions as this will be the first time I've ever tried to transfer video from a camera.
Thanks,
Pattayadavid
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for example this one will not open
but this will
and many I could open this morning have now become 'unavailable'
is this a network thing when it is busy perhaps??
I have TOT Goldcyber in Pattaya. I tried both of the url's above last night and neither would play. They would load the first 2 seconds of video then freeze. This happens to me frequently, especially during peak usage times. I tried both of the url's this morning and they both played flawlessly without any delay. I personally think that the problem is either due to TOT's limited bandwidth during peak usage times or that TOT themselves are somehow limiting video (YouTube) playback during these times. It's a hit or miss with TOT.
Pattayadavid
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My first post on this forum so let me stat by saying hello everyone.
I've been driving here (Pattaya) for some four years now and up to now I have not had an accident with anything moving but plenty on near misses. I find the Thai style of driving very aggressive there is no regimental way of driving as in UK or Australia for that matter but in the end of the day this is Thailand and you have to adopt their way of driving or you wont get anywhere, once you get used to it I find it very easy and you should always expect the unexpected. With accidents most mobile phones have a camera these days so if you have one take photos of the bike/car and the persons involved if you don't then it's down to you how you handle it.
macam
I'll second that; I'm not going to get in a pissing contest with a Thai driver. I haven't had an accident in my 4 years living in Pattaya (knock on wood), but if (really when, TIT) I ever do, the first thing I will do is to take a picture of the driver and the vehicle, including the license tag (if they actually stop) then call the police. The police aren't all that efficient as we all know, but I think they pretty much frown on hit and runs.
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Finally, some decent bowling to watch in Thailand as the World Tenpin Bowling Association Men's World Championships is scheduled for Aug. 22-30 in Bangkok, Thailand. From what I have read, many of the top professionals from around the world will be participatng including those from the United States. You can check out this website http://www.2008wmc.com/ to keep up to date on the daily performances.
The one thing that I haven't been able to discover is the cost of attending and viewing the daily events. Do they charge a daily pass rate per person? Does anyone have any cost information for attending the events? I live in Pattaya, but would love to attend the two-day men's singles event.
Pattayadavid
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I think part of the problem is that People in the US have always been spoilt with low fuel costs and car costs whilst residents of other countries around the world are used to paying much higher rates.
Americans consider a vehicle to be a neccessity rather than a luxury item, but when in Rome...........
roy gsd
What a simplistic rationalization. Americans pay lower fuel prices, lower car prices and lower taxes because they don't accept being screwed by their government and their retail industry. Americans encourage competition in industry and simply refuse to pay above fair value. Either the American people cave or the government and industry cave; my money is on the American people. If you standby and passively let them do it to you then you get what you deserve.
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I use "Easy Video Downloader", simple and fast, works best for YouTube videos. Check the box to enable high quality YouTube video download, paste in the URL and select start. I was able to download,save and watch YouTube videos even when TOT had put a block on viewing YouTube videos directly.
Pattayadavid
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I was watching Fox News on Banglamung cable last night and during one of the commercial breaks, a Fox News staff member thanked True Move UBC Corp Ltd. viewers in Thailand for watching. Is Fox News shown via UBC in some parts of Thailand? Could it be that Fox News is shown over UBC's cable system, such as in Bangkok, but not over their satellite service?
Why would I want to watch an Australian version of a program that originates from the United States? It would be like watching CNN International of which I think is total worthless viewing.
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I generally find UBC to be quite acceptable, but like many have pointed out, it is pretty much the only game in town and that's the real rub, no competition. I do wish that UBC would carry the Fox News channel so I can cancel my Banglamung cable subscription (use only for Fox News broadcasts).
I was looking on all of the UBC sports channels yesterday, no olympic coverage, am I missing something here?
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I can understand BMW not warranting the tires; they don't do that even in the United States, however your tires should be warrantied by the tire manufacturer, normally for 1 year or mileage whichever comes first.
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I find that "Easy Video Downloader", Google it, is one of the easiest YouTube downloaders to use and is a very small program. I have it setup to save as .avi (High Quality), works great with YouTube videos. I use Nero in the CD or DVD Data Disk mode to drag and drop videos to disk. All have played back fine thus far.
Closed Down 14-16 November+?
in Pattaya
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I was at the bowling center upstairs at TOPS yesterday. They have been advertising a local bowling tournament for the past week or so to be held this Saturday night (15th). When I asked if the tournament will be rescheduled due to the royal funeral, they told me "no"; it would be held as scheduled. Maybe it will be held with no music or alcohol served and all of the participants will be required to wear black.