Laptops for FS2004

[kiwicomm]

Can someone please advise as to the current use of laptops for flight simulator, in particular FS 2004? If it helps I can narrow the Q further. I'm looking for some portability for my hobby. I use FS 2004, with payware aircraft, some extra scenery, REX, ground environment, and download real world weather. That's about it really, a basic FS user. I use a joystick only for takeoffs and landing but o/w enjoy using autopilot and flight computer, so a laptop could suit me well. I am presently using a desktop with XP. It works ok with most sliders maxed out, but it's certainly operating at the edge of its speed and power. My concern is that I downloaded FS 2004 to a pretty entry level DEL a year ago. Its performance wasn't that hot, but boy the laptop sure got hot! I turned it off after about half an hour, I'm pretty sure it would have bugged out otherwise. My question: in general can laptops deal with the processing and other loads created by a programme like FS2004, and if so, what's the cheapest entry level computer for me? I'd be particularly keen to get feedback on whether an ultrabook would work, a really light laptop, or whether all that hardware space saving would create heat issues? Thx.

[gojozoom]

Hi there,

I've been simming using FS2004 on an Acer (I know...) laptop and an external monitor for 3 years. Based on my experience and the range of currently available laptops:

- The new ones shouldn't have any issues running FS2004 with payware addons at about 25-30 FPS - if everything is properly configured, of course.
- Overheating is still a problem... I would browse through reviews and forums before purchase to make sure it's ok with the chosen model.
- I don't think you should spend 5K on a high-end (eg Alienware) laptop for this. I'd definitively go for Intel i5 CPU with an good 1G NVidia card though. AMD/ATI combos are not bad either
- Finally there is a big disadvantage when it comes to laptops: very limited -or non-existent- upgradability (I know, this word doesn't actually exist, but you know what I mean). So in case you want to switch to FSX later, go for a PC instead.

My 2 cents...

Dan

[Kahu]

Make sure you get one with i7 CPU 2.2GHz or higher. I have two laptops that run both flightsims, one has a i5 and the other i7 CPU and there is a huge difference between the 2. Also I would recommend a Nvidia 2GB graphics card. Both mine are Acer computers and they a brilliant and cheap I think it costs $1500 for the latest i7CPU, 2GBgraphics 4GB ram laptop

I also run x2fan cooling pad and have no issues with overheating.

[Fozzer]

Its a funny old do..

...but I've always used various PC's since the early 1980's....8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, building and modifying them as necessary, to suit the particular programs I run at the time!

Each of these upgrades has spread the cost over a number of years, which suits me fine...

..but the thought of spending $1500+ on a single; "Laptop"... ...is something I would not contemplate, at the moment, even if I could afford such a huge sum of money!

My boxes of tricks and monitors, may be a bit large, and take up lots of space, but at least, I can open up the box and replace any necessary bits and bobs to suit what particular hi-tech; "game" I decide to install..and have lots of sockets to plug-in any various accessories I need!

I've always thought that Laptops are ideal for general browsing, storing photo's, and sorting out the families various financial problems, etc...(and not forgetting the dreaded Facebook/Twitter drivel), but for playing various hardware-demanding Games, the Desktop/Tower PC seems much more suitable for the job!

Paul....Boxed-in with Hardware!... ...!