Ok, I know these questions probably have been answered before but I need to know the following.I currently have MSFS 2002 and was wondering if I should purchase 2004. Is there a big enough difference to justify paying for this newer software or should I wait for the next version to come out.Also, does anyone know when the next version will be out? Will it be 2005 or 2006?Thanks to all.

Well I for one always say go with the newer versions since the old ones will fade away like FSXX,FS98,2000 and now fs2002. FS2002 has some nice things about it to be sure but all the developement is no longer based on it so why keep it? To fly PIC? To keep your add-on sceneries? Some guys don't like change and hey more power to them but I am in the advancing crowd, sure FS2004 has some quirks but so did every single previous edition. FS2004 certainly looks better than 2002 and now with the SDKs out things should improve even more. Once you startup fS2004 for the first time it does give you that wow factor. So go for it, you will always have FS2002, you could even use both for now..[h4]Best Wishes,Randy J. Smithhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/betaimg.jpgAMD 64 3200+ | ASUS KV8 DELUXE | GFORCE 5700 ULTRA @535/1000 | Maxtor 6Y080M0 SATA 80 GIG | 512 DDR 400 | Windows Xp Pro | Windows Xp Pro 64 |

Hi,Randy's response is a good one. You should also keep in mind that FS2004 takes a faster computer system if you want to turn everything up and enjoy it in all it's glory. Just curious, what are your system specs? As to whether or not FS2004 is big difference from FS2002... Well, FS2004 is better than FS2002 in many respects. Also, it could be just considered an upgraded FS2002 in many areas. How big a difference there is is subjective to individual opinion. My vote would be for you to get it though because I think there is enough upgraded and new stuff for it to be considered a new version as opposed to just an upgraded FS2002. Although just enough.If you want to wait for the next version, you'll probably be waiting a good while yet. And then who knows what kind of system you'll need to be able to run it. Of course, that may be of no concern to you if you can afford a new computer whenever you want one. If the past is a prediction then FS2006 will probably be released about a year or so from now. But really, no one but MS really knows when it is planned on being released.Deep Thoughts,Jim

Thanks to both of you. It's nice to know that 2004 is better than 2002 in most respects, but I'm worried when you say that it requires a faster computer. I have a Pentium 1.7 Ghz with 640 MB RAM, and a Geforce2 MX graphics card. Do you think that would be enough to get full enjoyment out of it, or would I have to upgrade my computer? If so, what kind would I need to be able to stick it to the MAX?Your responses are greatly appreciated,Costas

Greetings, Costas.There are plenty of folks who run FS2004 on systems similar to your's and don't mind lessening the visual quality in certain areas to achieve reasonable framerates. As for myself, with the kind of eye candy I like, I really needed something more than my old 1.9ghz/512mb ram/Geforce Ti4600 ultra computer could deliver using FS2004 - even though I was able to max everything out in FS2002 with it.There really isn't a computer out there right now that can handle FS9 with EVERYTHING maxed. I've tried. But, you can max out most sliders and make things very pretty (considerably more so than FS2002) and hold good framerates with something like my P4 3.0ghz/1gb pc3200 ram/FX5900 ultra video card.As far as whether to upgrade your computer, I'd say that all depends on how much $$$ you have. If you got it, baby, flaunt it! Seriously, I do think FS9 is a good step up from FS2002 and I wouldn't ever go back. But if money's tight, perhaps now would be a good time to save your nickels and dimes for the next installment - whenever that might be. There has been no official announcement from Microsoft (that I'm aware of) concerning when the next version of Flight Simulator might materialize. - Matt D.

All I can say is that back in January I was very sceptical that FS2004 would be better than FS2002 and doubtful that it would run at all well on my (then) 1 GHz system. But I came across it at a bargain price I could not ignore and was utterly AMAZED that it ran as well as (if not slightly better than) FS2002 at the equivalent display settings. As a bonus, there were the excellent default historic aircraft, which I still fly regularly, and the much improved clouds.

Well, I appreciate everyones replies. I've decided that I will start by purchasing the newer version MSFS 2004 and see how it runs on my current computer. If I don't get the quality I'm looking for, maybe I'll just bite the bullet and get a new pc. That's what this addiction will do to you. :() My wife will be thrilled!!