I would get it if only for the multiplayer/shared cockpits/tower ability ,missions, and better flight models. There is much more to this sim than just free flight. Keep fs9 and use your add ins-use fsx for the new things...http://mywebpages.comcast.net/geofa/pages/rxp-pilot.jpg

Really good point. FSX IMHO may be most successful as a "transitional" sim as opposed to simply "making the jump" in one fell swoop as was done between FS9, FS8, etc. Therefore hard drive space also plays into the system configuration. On my fairly well-maintained 250GB SATA drive it probably won't be a problem to live alongside a highly-expanded FS9, a seperate FS9 install for Golden Wings 3, and 4 air combat sims (CFS1, CFS2 and CFS3, plus IL2/AEP/PF). If HD space is at a premium, well it's more food for thought.

Well after a go-around at St. Marteen I landing fairly well. Seemed a little jerky to me. FPS were low teens to single digits on landing approach. I was getting some flickering & after I figured out how to get my 2D panel back, switching views caused some lag. I am going to have to play with it for awhile. Thanks for all the input. I really appretiate it.Pat

Excellent suggestion Geofa.Gary

From one who has decided against buying FSX: I'm holding off primarily becuase FS9 IS an excellent product when tricked out like your install is, and I do not wish to go back to borderline performance AND troubleshooting AND tweaking constantly to eek out another 2 FPS. I'm holding off til I build a new Core Duo machine with DX10 card AFTER DX10 and Vista have been out and proven working well enough to warrant the time & money investment. If FS9 were not as good as it is, I might think twice. But really, I have $100's already into FS9 and . . . it works!Ahh, one other issue: don't use XP. I am using W2K Pro and it works fine. I WILL upgrade to Vista. Good luck,Noel

PatThe tweaks work just as well for the demo as they do for the full game. In order to properly evaluate how the full game will run on your system, you should apply all the tweaks to the demo.Martin

I have been playing with te settings. I am still getting this real quick pause & white flash every once in awhile that I can't get rid of. I am also hving a hard time with joysticj sensitivities. My elevator axis is just way too touchy.Pat

I wanted to thank all who gave input. I have decided to stick with FS9 for now after playing with the demo for a few days.

It depends. Do you like flying straight and level. If so, the sim performs beautifully. If however, you are a demanding, power use and want the sim to perform turns, you will find it jerks and stutters your aircraft through the simulated skies. You can tweak away and make it look like fs2000 in hopes of better performance. But the performance upgrades are marginal, and the result is very disapointing to the eye. I'd wait to see if the DX-10 cards and SLI (requires Vista update) make any difference. Colin in PortlandEDIT - I just noticed we are neighbors. If you want to come over and give it a spin on my rig, let me know. I'll be home this weekend.

Neither SLI or DX10 will make any difference. SLI is currently not supported and DX10 will squeeze more processor power and GPU usage. The real solution may lie with multi-core support if Microsoft decide to utilise it that is!