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| Dreamcast
Status |
| NCS' next major Dreamcast shipment is expected next week. NCS has
new policy regarding all Dreamcast hardware sales in that we require a testing period
in-house of at least 2 hours per unit before shipping. This slows down the ordering
process by up to a day but in the interest of preserving some iota of profitability in
this venture, it is a necessity since we have had many customers report problems to us
with the last shipment. Our previous testing time of 15 minutes was simply not enough to
ferret out potential problems in the operation of the Dreamcast. Until we see more
satisfactory hit rates, this policy will remain in effect until we rescind it. NCS has a
record of customers who have requested the DEC 29 shipment - we will contact you next week
when the DCs arrive. New Dreamcast pre-orders are welcome. |
| Pre-order
by simply e-mailing NCS
with your name, address, telephone number and a brief message. We'll confirm pre-orders
when the item arrives. |
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| Asian
or Japanese Dreamcaat |
| Past shipments of Dreamcast consoles have been comprised of both
Asian and Japanese machines. NCS had little control over what was shipped to us; we were
elated to even get any machines in this scarce market. This will change as supplies
improve in the New Year - the next shipment will be composed of roughly 50/50 Asian and
Japanese Dreamcasts. The obvious advantage of a Japanese machine is the inclusion of the
33.6K modem and the Passport software. However, the operating advantage of an Asian
console is it's variable power supply that can accept a voltage of 100V~120V. This power
system is perfect for use in the United States and will not require an additional
step-down transformer. As such, we have a lower defect rate in our Asian machines which
may or may not be related to the power system and resultant internal heat levels. When
placing a new order for a Dreamcast, please let us know your version preference and we
will try to accomodate your request from our incoming stock. |
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| Message
Boards |
| Thanks to everyone who pointed us towards Ultimate Bulletin Board.
We like the clean format and the intuitive use of message headers and threading. NCS has
opted to purchase the licensed version to support the publisher. NCS is very much for the
idea of a message area on this website because we receive many private queries from
customers and visitors - a public forum would allow us to answer questions so that many
people can benefit from the replies. The first messaging topic that we'll post will
probably be something like "Ask NCS" for general questions related to import
gaming. We hope to add the message area sometime in late January. On-line ordering is
still our priority goal for the website next month. |
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| Happy
New Year |
| It's been an interesting and at times, a very crazy year. There
have been crises, dilemnas, and turmoil but also triumph, success and escalation. We
wouldn't want it any other way since we need to stay nimble in this marketplace. As we
move into a clean slate - a new year, NCS would like to give thanks to all of our
customers. Our company can always rely on our clientele for helpful information, sales
support and unique life experiences and perspectives. We'll try to make 1999 as
interesting as 1998. Have an enjoyable New Year's Day - may your champagne be Dom
Perignon, bubbly and chilled to perfection. |
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| Capital
Market Position Trades |
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The market appears weak at the open but we expect a minor rally to take us postive
to close out 1998. We went short yesterday but will exit all short positions and stand
aside until next week. There will be whipsaws today. We remain long IBM calls and RUT
calls and will likely hold them until they expire. These are our core positions at this
point. |
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Send e-mail to ncs@escape.com
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