Hi everyone...long time reader, first time poster here. I recently got a new job where I travel a ton...2 weeks ago I was in Detroit, last week in Atlanta, this week in Wilmington, NC, etc...so I just bought a new laptop so I could play my favorite addiction (FS of course) when I am away. Here's the specs of the system I just bought:Processor: Intel Centrino Duo Mobile Technology; Intel Core Duo T2300 (1.67GHz)Memory: 1024MB DDR2 (2 x 512MB) dual channel, expandable to 2GB (4GB when 2GB memory modules available)Hard Drive: 100GB HDD (5400 RPM, SATA)Optical Drive: DVD+-RW multiformat double layer (up to 8.5GB); Write Max: 8x DVD+/-R, 4x DVD+/-RW, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW disk; Read Max: 24x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM and 8x DL/+RW disksOperating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2Monitor: 15.4" widescreen ultra-bright WXGA TFTCard Reader: 4-in-1 Digital Media Manager (MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro)Additional Features and Specifications: * System Bus: 667MHz system bus * Cache Memory: 2MB level 2 cache * Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 Graphics 256MB HyperMemory video memory (128MB local onboard video memory) * Video Memory: 256MB hyper memory (128 local on board) * Audio: High definition * Speakers: Built-in * Modem: 56K ITU V.92 ready fax/modem (RJ-11 port) * Network Interface: 10/100Mpbs Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port); 802.11g Wireless LAN (up to 54Mbps) SecureEasySetup * Total Expansion Slots 1 - Type I or II; CardBus * Available Expansion Slots 1 - Type I or II; CardBus * Ports: 1 VGA external connector, 1 IEEE 1394, 1 S-video external connector, 1 RJ11, 1 RJ45, Microphone In and Headphone/Audio Out * Keyboard: Built-in * Mouse: Touch pad with vertical scroll zone * Dimensions: Approx. 1.4"H x 14.1"W x 10.4" deep * Weight: Approx. 7.5 lbs. * Warranty: Comes with a manufacturer's 1-year limited warrantyHere's my question...any recomendations on a controller to use with this thing? I need something that I can throw into a backpack or carryon bag, so a proper joystick is pretty much out of the question. I was thinking about a XBOX360 controller, using the left analog stick for elevator and ailerons and the right stick for rudder and throttle. Does anybody have a better idea, or any comments on this thought? Also, any tips or tricks on running FS2004 with a laptop or dual core machine? Thanks in advance everyone!Daniel

I use a Saitek P880 controller with my Dell notebook, using left stick for aileron / elevator and right stick for rudder. Throttle is much more controllable if you map it to two of the buttons rather than a stick, as the stick auto centres (ie. mid-throttle) and you'd have to keep it pushed full forward or back for max / min throttle respectively. It's not an ideal setup, but it's definately portable and infinitely better than trying to fly with the keyboard.Gary