Just wondering if those familiar with Thailand/Bangkok can suggest where one can buy a desktop computer in Bangkok and what is a reliable DSL ISP to use.

I have to set my father up with a computer and think a brand-name one would be better given that I'm not there to help with technical advice. It seems that the shops I've been to have old computers and only the Tesco Lotus has anything decent. I see Acer hyas some decent offers but can't figure out who their dealers are because I don't read Thai.

Also, what is a decent ISP to use? It's imperative that whoever he gets service from can set it up quickly as I'm only in town for 11 more days.

Panthip Plaza on the New Petchburi Rd is worth a look; 5 floors dedicated to IT. Whilst most of the software on sale there isn't legit, some of the major hardware manufacturers have official outlets inside, and there are also a couple of IT superstores there too. That's where I went for my Mac.

As far as an ISP goes, I use True broadband (http://www.truecorp.co.th/eng/products/online.jsp) which has rarely let me down. I can't comment on any of the other providers as I've no experience with them. One problem with the net generally in Thailand however is that you'll never see speeds as advertised by the ISPs. The problem is Thailand's lack of bandwidth capacity on the international cables.

Fortune Town, right next to MRT Phra Ram IX station, is also worth a look (3rd and 4th floors are all PC stuff). It's rather less sketchy than Panthip, and easier to get to as well.

There are a number of IT Malls: Panthip, Fortune, Zeer/Rangsit where you will find retail PCs from all the major manufacturers. Fortune is easier to get to if using public transport, and the shops there are branches of those in Panthip. Many people here have PC's built-to-order, I'd recommend that as it is quite easy to do.

It is nigh on impossible to recommend a DSL provider as much is dependent on your location. Do you have a fixed line? TOT or True? You can get DSL from the fixed-line provider or from another ISP. For example, I have DSL (1,024/512: 1,070 THB/month) from CSLoxInfo on a TOT fixed line (107 THB/month). If you have a fixed line number then you can look up service availability. Check out www.adslthailand.com for links. My service has been fast, as advertised, and reliable.

By far the best approach is to check with neighbors to see what they are using and if they like it. I'm not 100% certain but you may need to have a work permit to get service? My service got turned up in 72 hours even though the provider said it would take 10 days.

The Acer Service centre is on Rama III. While buying a power cord I popped into their showroom and they have some good deals.

Acer also has a location in Silom (I forget the building) and, oddly enough, in Pantip plaza on Petchburi rd, among many others.