Before turning your device on
Like most countries in southeast Asia, Thailand’s electrical supply is standardized on 220 volts. Rule one is to check that your device is comfortable with this. Power fluctuations of a considerable magnitude are common so it is advisable to connect your desktop to the mains through a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).

Internet & Connectivity
The easiest way but unfortunately the slowest internet access is through a dialup modem. Book stores and convenience stores such as 7-Eleven sell dial up packages with the cost determined by the number of hours required.

High speed ADSL connections (up to two megabytes per second) are also available. There are two telephone companies and internet service providers in Phuket – TOT and TT & T, which offer ADSL packages. Speeds are dependent on how much you pay.

However, advertised speeds are not necessarily the reality when online! In some areas there is simply no adequate connectivity. So do note that it is wise to ask your telephone service provider if ADSL is available in your area as all telephone switches do not yet have ADSL capability.

Wireless connections through CAT CDMA EV-DO are one solution for those unable to connect through landlines. Another is GPRS, which is available with air-cards sold by DTAC and GSM – the two major mobile phone service providers. In addition, there are plans to introduce WI-Max in the near future and Phuket may well be the first province in the kingdom to do this.

Wifi hotspots are becoming increasingly common throughout Phuket. For a list of places where you can connect, click here.

Hardware
Fortunately, Phuket is regarded as one of the most well-served places for IT devices with computer shops at the basement floor in Big C, in Central Festival and Phuket City. They are well-stocked with laptops, PCs, monitors, printers, PDAs and smart phones. If you don’t find what you want, make a quick trip to Bangkok to Pantip Plaza at Pratanum Market. They sell nothing but electronic equipment and the prices may be a shade cheaper as well.

Software
If you have to up-date computer or anti-virus programs, the larger IT shops can provide everything which you are likely to need; however sometimes you will have to wait for delivery from Bangkok. If you are in a rush, you can of course download them from the internet and pay by credit card.

It is best to steer well clear of the illegal pirated software offered in the Patong market areas – viruses may be of issue.

Computer Supply
When staying in a foreign country and you're beloved computer experiences a problem, language can become a serious impediment to understanding. If you buy computer devices in Phuket, do ask – repeatedly if necessary – if the device is guaranteed and, whether or not it is guaranteed internationally. Keep your receipts and take business cards from the shop where you make your purchase: many devices priced over 1,000 Baht have a one to three year guarantee and, you may need post-sales service. Also, many computer shops will allow you to return the device for a full refund or to exchange it for a new one if it develops a serious fault or if you should
be dissatisfied.

Happy computing.