Hello Everyone,As I look back( or try to ) at my transition fron fs2002 to 2004, I began to question the validity of that transition. Was it because FS2002 had lost it's luster and appeal on a variety of issues? I don't remember there being alot of 3rd party addon enhancement programs that were offered for fs2002, maybe that was an issue? What ever the reason leaving 2002 seemed to be really not much of a decision, move on to fs2004, no problem. However, I find myself more hesitate to move past fs2004 to fsx. The fs2004 platform transformed from the basic program to a flight simulation environment tnat is still a pleasure to fly in. Why? I believe that is where the 3rd party addon market ( freeware and payware ) has played a major part in my consistant fs2004 interest and thus making past fs version transitions easier that the upcoming one. Will I get fsx?, sure, will fs2004 stay on my hard drive? Yep, and, I suspect it will stay there a whole lot longer than fs2002 did when I installed fs2004.fly safe

yeah Dave, I think that 2002 and 2004 were more alike than FS9 and FSX will ever be. The transition of aircraft and scenery was pretty seamless, minus a non spinning prop or two. We designers are looking up a mighty steep learning curve this time around, but that's where the true beauty will lie. You get a second chance at creating the world, with much more creative and interactive results. mmm, and the missons will revolutionize BFU. what's wrong with 2 flight sims, or 4, or more? I have 6 car racing sims that I flip flop on all the time.I'm greedyjoe

I think that 2004 has matured a lot better than any other version, building into a complete system which I wouldn't have thought possible seeing it for the first time straight out of the box. The 'what if' scenarios which I played with in the early days of 2004 have just about all been surpassed, I own some pretty complex and beautiful aircraft, scenery etc which continues to amaze me every day.The thought of starting over -- albeit with higher expectations now -- leaves me a bit cold.As a scenery designer, I'll certainly shift to FSX, but I think that I'll choose to stick with 2004 for the fun of it.-Robin Corn, Godzone Virtual Flightthe home of 'Real New Zealand' scenery: www.windowlight.co.nz

You know, I'm playing five different first-person-shooters and three real time strategy games right now in addition to FSX beta and programming, so it seems perfectly natural to leave FS9 on my system indefinitely.I know some guys who aren't going to moving up for a bit, and I'd like to fly with them online, so no need to get rid of it.It's not like they will conflict or whatever. I suppose I'll never understand the "One or the other" perspective.

I had a lot of addons for FS2002 which did not make the transition to FS2004.However the key seller for me was the complete revamp of the approach system, the FS9 GPS and the massive changes to the AI control system.As noted above - the extra year, year and a half have helped FS9 mature - which is a big factor.I actually expect my transition to FSX to be smoother than the transition to FS2004.However I do not expect to have many of my favorite addons, or replacements, available for at least six months.

Have you heard anything on something similar to AFCAD or traffic tools being developped for FSX? That's really the only add-on that I need to improve my simming world.

I'll keep FS9 on my system for a while but if I need extra hard drive space for something then it will be the first thing uninstalled.