NZFF

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.

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

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.

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!... ...!