Thinking of buying an ipod touch, as I believe you can send free emails from it. Should I buy one now, or are they cheaper in Thailand?

I don't think you will find Ipods cheaper in Thailand than where you live. Besides, you should consider warranties too. If you are living in Thailand maybe buy it there but if you are only on a short visit buy it at home. Buying at home you know if you have a warranty problem you can get it resolved. There are some look-alike phony Ipods too.

In Thailand there are many cheap internet shops. Average price for Bangkok is around 1 baht per minute. Unless you find some yuppie type fancy pants coffee house charging higher prices. Smaller cities even as cheap as one half baht per minute. This is using the internet shop computers. You can bring in your own netbook or whatever for the same rate.

Many cheap cell phones can also receive or send emails. I get emails from my brothers cheap cell phone when I am in Thailand all the time. Some hotels have free wifi if you have your own laptop/netbook.

Bottom line, on short holiday, buy at home and know it is not a knock-off and the warranty will be good. I don't think you will get a better price in Thailand on a real Ipod.

K

For comparison, these are the Apple prices from "Authorizd Apple Resellers" in Thailand. I would not buy from anyone else.

Buying from them, not only will Apple portables, such as iPods, have an international warranty, you will also be eligible for a 7% VAT refund upon leave Thailand. They will supply the needed paperwork.

Personally, I would not buy from iBeat. "iStudio" outlets are all over Bangkok.

It might be better to compare the prices, somewhere iPhone is very expensive just because of tax. But never be tempted to buy any second hand and used device. No matter how cheap they are!!!