Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 15/02) - With old man winter's icy hand knocking on the door, some inside activity is a great way to pass the time.

When the channels on the TV won't entertain, more and more people are turning on their computers for inside entertainment.

The Matrix just opened in Inuvik to aid in that cause by providing a selection of digital daydreams.

Robin Koe's family is from the Delta, but she was born in Fort Smith, moved to Tuk for a year, then Aklavik, Winnipeg, Fort McPherson and then back to Winnipeg, where her mom studied dentistry until last year, when she returned North.

"I've moved around a fair bit," Koe laughs. "When my mom graduated, we moved back up here."

Last month she went to work at The Matrix. "If anyone has any inquiries about hardware or software, I take orders for technical work to be done on their computers."

The shop also offers an Internet cafe, where customers can log on to the Net to check e-mail or play any number of games online.

Customers pay $3 for half-an-hour or $5 per hour to use the Internet. Koe says the shop offers flexible hours and flexible membership prices.

"We also have monthly membership prices for $70," she said. "That allows up to four hours per day. We're also open from 9 a.m to 7 p.m., so people can come in after work and surf the Internet."

The Matrix also offers a full line PlayStation games, systems, controllers and other accessories for sale.

"We keep all the best games in stock and are always taking orders for the new games," Koe said. "A lot of our prices are better than Future Shop prices and our technical service is about the cheapest in town."

The store has two qualified service reps, who build computers right on site.

"If someone wants a computer, we can usually get it to them the next day," she said, adding that the work is covered by warrantee.

"We go through a lot of games -- especially the PlayStation games," she said. "We got an order in yesterday and we sold at least half of them. We ordered Play City and it hasn't come in yet, but we've already sold them all," she said.

Getting ready for Christmas, the store has stocked children's educational games and has lots on the way.

"We're expecting a huge order about the third week of November, just to get ready for Christmas," she said.

Located at the side entrance of the Mack Travel building, Koe said the owner, Leonard Debastien, has relied largely through word of mouth about the new store.

She said they are filling a need in town with The Matrix.

"We're providing what we think people want and trying to provide a better service."