Hello all,I'm currently running FS9 on a six year old P4 3.2ghz with 2GB SDRAM and an Nvidia 256MB 6800GS.Yes, I know - it's in dire need of an upgrade.Thing is, the PC runs fine for basic web browsing, iTunes, etc - the basic stuff only. While I've got a few PC games I play (Jedi Knight II, DEFCON), they do fine on the computer. Where I need more power is FS9, and possibly making the jump to FSX.Here's my dilemma - cost is an issue, as I really can't justify spending over $1000 without my wife going batshit crazy on me. And since this will be MY rig and the existing PC still runs acceptably well for basic chores, I'm not sure a new desktop is really what I need.So, I'm thinking a laptop. Nothing over 17'' (dear GOD those things are huge!) as I'd like to be able to take it on business trips if need be, but I want it to be something that will run FS9 with ALL SLIDERS MAXED and framerates of at least 30FPS in places like KLGA with tons of addons (Manhattan, KLGA, 100% AI, the works).Basically, I want it to run FS9 maxed-out without breaking a sweat. I'd also, if possible, like to have a decent FSX experience if I choose to make the leap there.So - any suggestions? I defer to your experience on this one.Thanks!

My mate has a 15" dell. 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB DDR2 800MHz ram, 8800GT M graphics card. It runs FS9 max settings well, however only if you run it windowed mode, but maximised (not fullscreen). As for FSX, low-mid slider, maximised windowed mode and alright frames. That cost about $800

My mate has a 15" dell. 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB DDR2 800MHz ram, 8800GT M graphics card. It runs FS9 max settings well, however only if you run it windowed mode, but maximised (not fullscreen). As for FSX, low-mid slider, maximised windowed mode and alright frames. That cost about $800

Thanks Chris. If you don't mind, can you give me your perspective on this laptop from a "Max FS9 / moderate FSX" standpoint? Right now Newegg's got it available for $899.00USD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16834114803TOSHIBA Satellite A505-S6035 NoteBook Intel Core i7 720QM(1.60GHz) 16" 4GB Memory DDR3 1066 500GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M

It looks really good and should run both well.

Hi ChrisNot back in Bonnie Scotland yet I see.

Unfortunately no. Things are taking longer than expected so it's hard to say when.

It looks really good and should run both well.

Do you think it's capable of "everything maxed" FS9 with high framerates, or is the video card and/or the clock speed of the CPU something to be concerned with? How about FSX performance, if I decide to try it?

Fs9 yes, fsx no.