I’m currently a 737NG  Capt at a major US airline taking an early retirement with the COVID-19 downturn of the industry. Not sure if I’m going to pursue another flying position or not, don’t do GA, but want to keep the cobwebs cleared out and do some realistic chair flying on a 737NG. Don’t really care about external visuals as much as accurate flight deck/switchology and FMS functionality so I can fly some realistic profiles.
 

My understanding is MSFS with a PMDG 737NG module would work, however I’m running a MS Surface Pro laptop and don’t really want to buy a dedicated gaming PC, so the question is what legacy version of the aforementioned software would work with visuals to low fidelity? I have PS4 Pro for the grandkids, but appears there are no serious simulator options for that platform.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations

Much depends on which CPU is in the laptop. Assuming you have the fastest (i7) it's still a bit (or too) weak for the later versions of the sim/PMDG 737. I'd recommend looking at FS2004 with the corresponding PMDG 737 version. It's not going to be the NG but, INMNSHO, that's your best option. That said, if you're really serious about keeping the cobwebs cleared you may want to reconsider the gaming PC option..........Doug

You can buy Microsoft's FSX from Steam for very little money (less than 20 quid), so it would not cost a lot to find out if it runs okay on your system.

Then if it does (which it almost certainly will), I'd look at the iFly Boeing 737 series, which you can get for FSX, as it includes all major 737 NG variants, with numerous avionics options choices available, so there is a very good chance it could replicate your real-world aeroplane at work. It is very realistic with pretty much all the systems of the real thing replicated.

FSX has many options which will allow it to run on pretty much any machine if you turn off, or reduce the numbers of some of the eye candy such as trees and buildings, so there is a good chance it will be able to run okay on your machine.

The iFly 737 can be seen/purchased HERE and you can see/purchased FSX from Steam HERE.

Edited August 2, 20205 yr by Chock

I’ll try FSX and iFly. Thanks for the suggestions 🙏🏻

4 hours ago, Nm2far said:

I’ll try FSX and iFly. Thanks for the suggestions 🙏🏻

You are welcome and if you do retire, enjoy it!

On 8/2/2020 at 10:09 AM, W2DR said:

Much depends on which CPU is in the laptop. Assuming you have the fastest (i7) it's still a bit (or too) weak for the later versions of the sim/PMDG 737. I'd recommend looking at FS2004 with the corresponding PMDG 737 version. It's not going to be the NG but, INMNSHO, that's your best option. That said, if you're really serious about keeping the cobwebs cleared you may want to reconsider the gaming PC option..........Doug

If you can´t find the PMDG 737, try iFly for FS9. It's still available for purchase.