I've only read a few posts in this forum - after awhile it gets tiring, reading all of the "FS-X will suck" posts. So, purely as entertainment, here are my predictions...1. FS-X will attract a lot of new "pilots" - more than previous versions, due to the mission feature. It will eventually (post-DirectX 10/Vista's release) become the best-selling FS title in history.2. There will be disappointed people in every user category of FS - casual, serious, expert/real pilot, FSN (flight simulator nut). But...3. ...There will also be folks in all of those categories that will be tickled pink with the new release. I suspect I will be one of them.4. The Shared Cockpit feature will sort out to be one of the most significant new features. I already have a friend who is a wannabe pilot, and I am sure that there will be more than a few on-line "flight lessons" where I get the privilege of being a VCFI (virtual flight instructor). I am really looking forward to that.5. Most of our purchased FS9 addons - be they aircraft or other types - will mostly (i.e. maybe a minor patch will be requied) work with FS-X. Those of you that are hoping for a total rewrite will probably never see it happen - the legacy and aftermarket product range are just too large to abandon, and the MS FS folks are not stupid by a long shot (MS Folks: yes that was a backhanded compliment - I have far higher regard for you than you realize).6. FS-X will not put any aftermarket add-on companies out of business. Exception: possibly the fine folks at http://www.gates.to/index.php.7. My biggest bugaboo of FS9, the helicopter flight modeling, will not get any signficant corrections/tweaks. I really hope I am wrong about this, but then there are aftermarket solutions that mostly get around these things.8. DirectX 10 will result in a lot of hardware upgrade sales from FS-X Pilots. I saw the water animation - I know I'll be buying (at least) a DX-X-capable video card!Personal note: due to my flight sim hardware setup being torn down for a kitchen/basement remodel, I haven't fired up FS9 in quite a few weeks. Even before that, my FSing had trickled down to almost nothing - somewhat deliberately, due to the knowledge that FS-X will be out later this year. I am really looking forward to firng up the new version!Dave Blevins

Good, positive post Dave. I'm with you.

>8. DirectX 10 will result in a lot of hardware upgrade sales>from FS-X Pilots. I saw the water animation - I know I'll be>buying (at least) a DX-X-capable video card!>Which water animation? I think all videos so far have been DX9.But agreed, FSX will be awesome.

Actually maybe it was just a static image I'm thinking of, but one of the FS-X videos out there shows a DX9 vs. DX10 comparison, and the scene has a lot of water in it. It looks gorgeous.dB.>>>8. DirectX 10 will result in a lot of hardware upgrade sales>>from FS-X Pilots. I saw the water animation - I know I'll be>>buying (at least) a DX-X-capable video card!>>>>Which water animation? I think all videos so far have been>DX9.>>But agreed, FSX will be awesome.>