Did a quick survey late Sunday afternoon of Software etc., Computer City, CompUSA and Electronic Boutique looking for board availability here in New York City.
Computer City (only location in city) (least knowledgeable employees I've ever encountered). The only person who even understood I wasn't inquiring re the voodoo 1 was the guy behind the counter where they keep memory chips etc. and only after I re-emphasized the fact twice. He said they had no cards and was not aware when they would get any.
CompUSA, (one of two locations) in this store for whatever reason they have relocated the video cards behind the same counter as above. Spoke with a knowledgeable person, he said they did not have any boards and that I was at least the 100th person to inquire. He also said the store was not advised as to when to expect a shipment.
Software etc., (one of a handful) (knowledgable folks, but not fully up to date on the latest technology). They did not have any cards, but, interestingly, did have a display of empty Monster 3D II boxes. A shipment of these was not expected until mid March. The most compelling thing was that the employees were not aware of Creative's card, so I had them check the computer. After some checking, and to my great surprise, it was determined that NO shipment from Creative was expected at all. They have had several inquires re VD2.
Electronic Boutique, (one of a handful, may be the busiest) I got there just after its close, but was able to communicate with an employee through the window. He held up a printout, listing the dates of arrival for the 12 meg card (2/23) and the 8 meg (sorry I didn't log this into memory, but it was a March date). I also neglected to scope the number of cards expected.
I'll probably check again sometime this week and report if anyone's interested.
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Re "...sophisticated...purchasers...."
Sorry, my mistake, by that I meant technically not consumer wise, the kind of guys who build their own systems for fun, knowledge and quality reasons. Diamond's statement without substantiation just isn't credible, bearing the awareness of the existing situation re TDFX and DIMD vs. CREAF.
Cerebal and emotional, picture Ying and Yang, one does not exist without the other. It is from the Cerebrum that the emotion flows, and the emotion that drives the Cerebrum.
Yeah, some will wait, but 3dfx will be pressed just to meet the demand of those who don't and those who wait will wait and wait and maybe wait some more, but though not of choice. Either way, it'll bode well for all of the above.
Watching TDFX June 30 calls, they're at $2 with open interest at 116. Hoping the DIMD sham will move the stock lower so I can average down over the next 2 weeks, though I'd like to see some volume go into these calls. After the first review, specifically DIMD vs. CREAF, from a major mag then away we go. I plan to hold to April's earnings or therebouts and after taking costs maybe rollover, though all may be subject to change. Hope your looking at TDFX as well as CREAF. Good luck. |
