Software

[Trvlr 50]

Most people may know this, but it is worth repeating, especially for those who are unaware.

The shops in Tuk.com charge 400 baht for a software DVD. This may appear cheap compared to legal software prices, but it is still a comparatively high price.

I hadn't been to Pantip Plaza in Bangkok in some years so I decided to make a visit, and mix it with a visit to Nana.

I bought the software I needed for 125 baht each - and I found a shop later that was asking 100 baht. I bought three, and that more than covered the cost of my visit Movies are also cheaper - they were asking 80 baht each or 7 for 500.

It is an easy trip, especially on weekends. Take the bus (113 baht) from Pattaya's North bus station to Ekamai. The Sky Train station is next door to it. Hop on it and get a ticket to Chitlom or Chid Lom. From there you can take a taxi (be careful, Bangkok taxis have become predatory) or walk to Pantip if you have the time (pick up a map). If the taxi does not want to use the meter then I would not pay more than 100 baht.

I noticed many cute freelancers on Sukhumvit near Soi 3, in case someone wants to rest in a short time hotel. Watch out for lady boys, especially later in the evening.

[joekicker 53]

I believe you are comparing DVDs to CDs.

 

A DVD full of various programs is going to be mostly junk for most people, most of the time. A CD is a focussed program, very often - although it may be a much smaller collection than a DVD, with more you want and less you don't.

 

Going to Bangkok for software is a full-day trip. To save how much, counting transportation? And a short-time with a Sukhumvit girl (after you've dropped a red one to get there from Pantip) will be more than in Pattaya, too. All in all, "to save money on software" is a lousy and probably money-LOSING reason to go to Bangkok from... well, anywhere, really, except Bangkok.

 

.

[Grandpollo 366]

There is something fittingly ironic about posting about being ripped off for pirated software. Vs. the legal price of the software how much did you "lose" on the transaction?

 

I bet things in Bangkok that are sold in Pattaya that are more expensive in Bangkok, like bar girls for an example.

[Saddic 31]

why don't you just get it where they get it... torrent it...

[Trvlr 50]

I am comparing apples to apples - it is the software I am interested in, whether it is on DVD or CD, and the prices I quoted are for the software I needed.

 

Yes, I agree it is illegal and ironic, but so are many things that everyone does in Pattaya. Let's leave the moral argument out of it - it won't get you anywhere.

 

You can do the math yourself. I frequently buy 5 applications - that is 2000 baht in Pattaya. In Bangkok 500 to 600 baht. Plus 300 to 400 baht for all transport, less if you walk. I am sure you can figure it out.

 

Most of all - some of us are less chairbound than others. If you have the time, then Bangkok is a good day or overnight trip. For one thing, it will open your eyes to how good looking Thai girls are when compared to the Isaan fare that you mostly see in Pattaya.

 

The post was intended to help people - not draw bitter comments. The facts were fairly presented, people can decide for themselves what they prefer.

[Samsonite 181]

...For one thing, it will open your eyes to how good looking Thai girls are when compared to the Isaan fare that you mostly see in Pattaya....

Agreed!

[ttk 236]

I am comparing apples to apples - it is the software I am interested in, whether it is on DVD or CD, and the prices I quoted are for the software I needed.

 

Yes, I agree it is illegal and ironic, but so are many things that everyone does in Pattaya. Let's leave the moral argument out of it - it won't get you anywhere.

 

You can do the math yourself. I frequently buy 5 applications - that is 2000 baht in Pattaya. In Bangkok 500 to 600 baht. Plus 300 to 400 baht for all transport, less if you walk. I am sure you can figure it out.

 

Most of all - some of us are less chairbound than others. If you have the time, then Bangkok is a good day or overnight trip. For one thing, it will open your eyes to how good looking Thai girls are when compared to the Isaan fare that you mostly see in Pattaya.

 

The post was intended to help people - not draw bitter comments. The facts were fairly presented, people can decide for themselves what they prefer.

I for one appreciate the report. I havn't been in Bangkok for a while so updates are always welcome. I hope the comments from a small group do not deter you from posting again. As you pointed out, it makes no difference if software comes on a DVD or CD. To claim it is not a vaid comparison is laughable...but a typical response.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Most people may know this, but it is worth repeating, especially for those who are unaware.

The shops in Tuk.com charge 400 baht for a software DVD. This may appear cheap compared to legal software prices, but it is still a comparatively high price.

I hadn't been to Pantip Plaza in Bangkok in some years so I decided to make a visit, and mix it with a visit to Nana.

I bought the software I needed for 125 baht each - and I found a shop later that was asking 100 baht. I bought three, and that more than covered the cost of my visit Movies are also cheaper - they were asking 80 baht each or 7 for 500.

It is an easy trip, especially on weekends. Take the bus (113 baht) from Pattaya's North bus station to Ekamai. The Sky Train station is next door to it. Hop on it and get a ticket to Chitlom or Chid Lom. From there you can take a taxi (be careful, Bangkok taxis have become predatory) or walk to Pantip if you have the time (pick up a map). If the taxi does not want to use the meter then I would not pay more than 100 baht.

I noticed many cute freelancers on Sukhumvit near Soi 3, in case someone wants to rest in a short time hotel. Watch out for lady boys, especially later in the evening.

 

If you're using the skytrain to get to Chidlom, it's easier to stay on the train for an extra 2 stops Ratchathewi. The walk to Panthip from there (around 600m) is half the distance it is from Chidlom station (and less crowded - particularly if the red/yellow shirts are having a party weekend around the Ratchaprasong intersection).

 

Whilst there are some good vendors in Panthip, there are also loads that will sell you complete crap - sussing-out which are which is the main challenge, rather than the price. I imagine the same applies to Pattaya. As a rule of thumb, I ignore the software 'collections' that some vendors try to flog you. The decent places won't be pushy and will actually know something about what they are selling you e.g. whether it comes with a registration code (normally on the cover) or whether you need to run a Keygen. Something to bear in mind if you're buying Mac software as the keygen is usually a Windows application.

 

I agree wholeheartedly about the girlie comments though.

 

I think the point Joe was making was that it's a false economy to buy a DVD full of crap that you don't need if the application you're after is sold individually on a CD.

Edited March 14, 2011 by CheshireTom

[peckerwood 60]

Most people may know this, but it is worth repeating, especially for those who are unaware.

The shops in Tuk.com charge 400 baht for a software DVD. This may appear cheap compared to legal software prices, but it is still a comparatively high price.

I hadn't been to Pantip Plaza in Bangkok in some years so I decided to make a visit, and mix it with a visit to Nana.

I bought the software I needed for 125 baht each - and I found a shop later that was asking 100 baht. I bought three, and that more than covered the cost of my visit Movies are also cheaper - they were asking 80 baht each or 7 for 500.

It is an easy trip, especially on weekends. Take the bus (113 baht) from Pattaya's North bus station to Ekamai. The Sky Train station is next door to it. Hop on it and get a ticket to Chitlom or Chid Lom. From there you can take a taxi (be careful, Bangkok taxis have become predatory) or walk to Pantip if you have the time (pick up a map). If the taxi does not want to use the meter then I would not pay more than 100 baht.

I noticed many cute freelancers on Sukhumvit near Soi 3, in case someone wants to rest in a short time hotel. Watch out for lady boys, especially later in the evening.

With regard to predatory Bangkok taxi's, this problem is easily solved. NEVER use a taxi that is parked at the side of the road or where the driver approaches you. These taxi's typically do not use their meters and the driver will "negotiate" a fare, which will always be more than it would be if he uses his meter. Always flag down a taxi that is in motion on the road. They will almost always automatically turn on their meter. I say "almost" always, because it did happen to me once a couple of years ago. I simply told the driver to stop and I got out and flagged down the next taxi to come along (maybe 30 seconds) who did use his meter without complaint. I realize this is probably common knowledge to all you old Bangkok hands, but perhaps not to newbies.

[Fondles 94]

I find it amusing that your buying dodgy software instead of downloading it yourself via the internet used to make this thread.

[papillon 695]

why don't you just get it where they get it... torrent it...

Exactly. I have never ever bought any software. It's freely available on the net.

[TheFiend 1,181]

I have found cracked software often comes with nasty little surprises....

 

I tend to stick to shareware programs - the stuff I download fits my requirements, and comes without nasty little surprises!!!

[teelack 9,640]

Following Dontchas comment re some speakers from Tukcom. I was wondering are there not other places in Pattaya other that Tukcom where you can buy software? I know that there are some electronic places in the shopping centres and wonder if these place sell competetively?

[Trvlr 50]

I have not used Torrent in recent years so it is not on my radar.

However, last time I tried I could not find what I needed. I often need highly specialized software that is not easy to lay hands on and costs a thousand or more legally. If I can buy something legally for less than a hundred then I prefer to do that. I know, not a valid excuse morally speaking, but that's how it is.

For instance, this time I got two XML editors (publishing/web) and a GIS application.

 

In the past I have seen street sellers flogging software on Beach Road, but not in recent years. I will also be interested in knowing if software can be found in places other than Tuk.com.

 

Thanks for the tip on which station to get off at for walking to Pantip. I will try it next time.

[ozboy 31]

I have not used Torrent in recent years so it is not on my radar.

However, last time I tried I could not find what I needed. I often need highly specialized software that is not easy to lay hands on and costs a thousand or more legally. If I can buy something legally for less than a hundred then I prefer to do that. I know, not a valid excuse morally speaking, but that's how it is.

For instance, this time I got two XML editors (publishing/web) and a GIS application.

 

In the past I have seen street sellers flogging software on Beach Road, but not in recent years. I will also be interested in knowing if software can be found in places other than Tuk.com.

 

Thanks for the tip on which station to get off at for walking to Pantip. I will try it next time.

 

So you claim it costs thousands for a legal copy but you are prepared to pay $100 for a LEGAL copy,strange world you live in, but then you go on to complain about YOU DECIDING TO BUY A BOOTLEG COPY and worse still COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING TO PAY LESS THAN $15.

Are you sure you have mommies permission to go out alone

[Fondles 94]

I have not used Torrent in recent years so it is not on my radar.

However, last time I tried I could not find what I needed. I often need highly specialized software that is not easy to lay hands on and costs a thousand or more legally.

 

Heads up mate, they don't go out and purchase legit software then burn a few hundred copies of it, they get it from torrents/news groups/warez sites.

 

What is the name of the software you purchased, I'll have a hunt and see if its that hard to find.