While I think the intro price is fair I'm tired of price increases because of the labeling of P3D. P3D is just an excuse for developers to charge more (over FSX). I don't mind paying a little extra to have both versions of an addon (A2A / RA) but I think it's ludicrous to pay double and then some to have both. GRRRR

This is why I hesitate to migrate to P3D.

 

 

This is why I hesitate to migrate to P3D.

 

It's a valid concern (especially when not much changes between versions and in some cases features removed), but one hopes the additional revenue will allow developers to continue developing products for P3D.  But to be clear, NOT ALL 3rd party content providers do increase costs, double charge, etc. ... look at Orbx, they've done considerable work for P3D specific content without charging their existing customers a dime.

 

The questions you might want to think about other than costs (which you really have no control over):

 

1.  where are you planning to go with FSX?

2.  is your hardware capable of meeting your visual goals in P3D?

3.  how important is flight simulation to you and does P3D provide what you desire now and in the future (64bit etc. etc.)?

 

Costs debates rarely go anywhere and never solve anything other then venting.  Last weekend, I spent $65 for my wife and I (tickets and popcorn/drinks) to go see a Movie ... the Movie was 2 hours.  I spent $65 on PMDG 737 for P3D and a good 10 hours using it so far with many more hours planned ... in fact, any aircraft I've owned I've spent at least 8-12 hours minimum (those in my top 10 list probably around 60 hours or more) ... so relatively speaking 3rd party software is GREAT value for what it provides.

 

Cheers, Rob.

^ No one could have stated that better. I will add that non-developers have no clue what goes into software development...the advanced nature of these PMDG aircraft is worth every bit of the (imho) nominal cost of these extremely high fidelity add-ons. I'd love to see the test plan list for one of these products split out by functional requirement...it's got to be very lengthy....

It's a valid concern (especially when not much changes between versions and in some cases features removed), but one hopes the additional revenue will allow developers to continue developing products for P3D.  But to be clear, NOT ALL 3rd party content providers do increase costs, double charge, etc. ... look at Orbx, they've done considerable work for P3D specific content without charging their existing customers a dime.

 

 

^ No one could have stated that better. I will add that non-developers have no clue what goes into software development...the advanced nature of these PMDG aircraft is worth every bit of the (imho) nominal cost of these extremely high fidelity add-ons. I'd love to see the test plan list for one of these products split out by functional requirement...it's got to be very lengthy....

 

Well said by both - cheers

 

 

Well said by both - cheers

 

+1

1.  where are you planning to go with FSX?

2.  is your hardware capable of meeting your visual goals in P3D?

3.  how important is flight simulation to you and does P3D provide what you desire now and in the future (64bit etc. etc.)?

 

1. Not far, that is why I am considering P3D

 

2. Probably, don't know what the requirements are.

 

3. 64 bit is another great attraction for me.

 

 

I will add that non-developers have no clue what goes into software development...

 

True, however, I can't believe that PMDG developed the P3D version from ground up and that is why any discount even a small one would go a long ways. The discount may attract those who are on the wrong side of the financial fence. 

 

Rob's analogy of entertainment cost is relevant in most cases. I agree, the cost to entertainment value is significant. Even in my line of business we reward repeat customers.

 

 

True, however, I can't believe that PMDG developed the P3D version from ground up

 

Me either, but no doubt lots of testing, they have an excellent reputation to protect.

 

The factor we'll never know Is how much time and money PMDG invested in lawyers and meetings to achieve the outcome of Boeing planes licensed in a Lockheed Martin product.

 

Maybe It was easy, but I doubt It...

 

So I'm grudgingly re-buying, and hoping they do a small business jet one day:)

Last night I purchased the NGX and have to say it is awesome. I did a quick test flight from Calgary to Vancouver at dusk. I was stunned at how nice everything looked from inside the cockpit and from the outside. No performance issue here

 

The only thing I find is if I start P3D in full screen with the NGX I get all sorts of weird scenery artifacts going on. If I start in windowed then switch to full screen all is OK.

 

Not a major complaint just wondering if anyone else has seen this

 

Richard

I must admit, I never flew PMDG products much in FSX, just couldn't get out of 16-19 FPS and any LOD above 4.5 would OOM very quickly ... even with no autogen.  But in P3D it's a wonderful experience ... I'm learning much from the depth of PMDG's 737 (and 777).   I didn't think I'd use the HUD, but after using it I'll make it regular for take-off and landings.

 

My first full flight of the PMDG 737 in P3D.  Getting it to work with my GoFlight gear was very easy and the SDK is well documented.  So much to learn, keeps me very interested. 

 

Part I

 

Cheers, Rob.

Nice video Rob and great paint job Richard... Yeah the PMDG planes rock in P3D so does that texture guzzling rig you have

 

Yes Amazing video and thanks Brian on paint was pretty happy with this one