Would you mind expanding on the "Get more out of it" comment? I am considering both of these systems, and one drawback for me is the NCE system only recalls two decoders (engines) and forgets the rest. The MRC unit recalls the last 20 or so.....not sure the specific number. And the initial amp rating of the power cab seems a little weak to me compared to the 3 amp rating of the MRC unit.
The thing is, with the MRC Prodigy Express (the Powercab and Prodigy Express are competing systems, and the express was the one i was referring to), it will remember 25 while on, but the second the cab is turned off, it will only remember the last 5.
Its true that the NCE only remember 2 adresses, but If you are using either of these systems, you aren't using more than 4-5 locomotives at any one time (especially if any of them have sound). If you have a larger layout, don't even waste your time on either the power cab or the express, because you'll just end up buying a more high powered system later. that said, more of the NCE components can be reused than the MRC ones.
Also, you are wrong about the power rating. Prodigy Express only has 1.6 amps. NCE Powercab has just under 2 amps.
Again, NCE is a more fully equipped handheld. It has 29 functions, much more than is available to the Express, and it is very helpful in programming, and even has shortcuts that the MRC does not have. There are just so many extra features that you get from the NCE at the starting level.
If you have a small layout and are just entering DCC, NCE is the way to go.