Use of Apple computer to fly PMDG

[Guest aitapeapea]

I would like to know if FS9, FSX and the PMDG aircraft can run on a new iMac with Intel processor, with Windows XP, S.P.2 as operating system??ThanksClaudio Capozzi

[Mac_Paint 35]

YES!I'm using a MacBook Pro 2.33 MHz Core 2 Duo running XP under Boot Camp and both FS9 and FSX run flawlessly. I'm actually getting better results on this laptop than I do on my Athlon 64 FX 55 Desktop. I'll make the switch to the Core 2 Duo Extreme chip once Intel releases next year.

[Mac_Paint 35]

Here are some screenshots taken on the MacBook Pro at its native resoltion of 1440x900.http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/162256.jpgA wee bit of image stretch here. IMHO not objectionable.http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/162257.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/162258.jpgNot noticable in VC or Spot views.http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/162259.jpgFSX screenshot. The 1900 Express line import into FSX following the pinned instrutions on this forum.

[mburkhard 23]

Same here, I've got the MD-11 running and it works great on a MacBook Pro with a Core Duo CPU.Regards,Markus

[Tabs 2,790]

Can't run FS on my MacBook (non-pro) due to the lack of a good GPU, but it absolutely is a PC hardware wise. You can boot XP natively and it runs everything just fine.

[Mac_Paint 35]

Markus,what are you using for a controller? I'm using the MadKatz X-Box 360 controller which works ok in FSX, not so much in FS9. In FSX the POV joystick always returns to front center so it makes it very difficult to use the instruments in the VC. I've looked to see if there is a workaround to make the POV stick stay in position once released but have found nothing yet. In FS9 it's mostly useless. The D-pad works for POV and I can use one joystick for attitude control but thats it.

[Guest aitapeapea]

Thanks a lot Pete for your precious info and the nice pics.In the next future I have to upgrade my hw, then do you eventually advice me to abandone PC to migrate to Mac, expecially when the new intel extreme chip is released??Claudio Capozzi

[mburkhard 23]

Pete,I must say I've never had the need so far to do a lot of manual flying on my MacBook Pro. But should I do I'll try my good old CH Flightstick Pro USB with it and I'd let you know how it goes.Regards,Markus

[mburkhard 23]

Claudio,should you intend to use a Mac as your primary MSFS machine just make sure that you wait for one with a DX10 graphics card in it for Vista. As those cards are just hitting the market now I don't expect Apple to put a DX10 card in soon. But you never know, sometimes things move fast with Apple, sometimes they don't...Regards,Markus

[Mac_Paint 35]

Claudio,I wouldn't get a Mac to just run flight simulator, too expensive. If on the other hand you want to switch to MacOSX then a iMac would be a good start with the MacBook Pro a very nice notebook alternative. Might be awhile before DX10 graphics cards make it to the Mac but one never know with Apple when these will make it into their computers.