Hello Simmers, 

I have been out of flight simming for many years now but at a point in my life that I am seriously thinking about jumping back in. To give you all an idea of how long it has been, my last simulator was FS9. I bought FSX Gold but didn't have the hardware to run it so it is probably still in it original packaging somewhere in a box. My last operating system was Windows XP. I can't even recall what my hardware setup was at the time because we are talking the better part of a decade since I have flown virtually. 

I have built a few simming rigs over the years and would like to either build or buy another one but am woefully word not allowed of the new technology of today's gaming computers. I am typing this on a Chromebook that was gifted to me and have not owned a PC since I gave up simming sometime around 2013 so my question to you all is what am I looking for to get up and running? Does FS2020 need the latest and greatest hardware to run seamlessly? I used to run a lot of add-on scenery and planes both freeware and payware. I used to enjoy the heavy iron more than anything. I will surf the forums on more information on available add-ons. 

I don't have unlimited funds for hardware but certainly more than I did 10 years ago. All my kids are grown and on their own so there's that, lol. I am just looking for some direction on where to start and what the options are and thought I would be a good start by asking like minded individuals. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated. 

 

10 minutes ago, Trans_23 said:

I am seriously thinking about jumping back in

Trans_23,

Warning .... Airlines frown at any indication of "jumping in" on any of their aircraft.  In GA aircraft you can do yourself a nasty injury by hitting your head on the ceiling LOL

I have not, nor do I ever anticipate, buying an XBox but this is a seriously cheap way of owning and running MSFS. From all accounts, it performs well but there are some restrictions. There is much input on this forum, and others, about XBox and you should use these as a guide before making any decisions.

I do not know whether a Chromebook would handle MSFS either, but an alternative is a four or five year old computer which could reasonably handle the job.

An aspect of this venture back into flying that you do not mention is peripherals, (ie throttles, yoke and pedals etc) These can add seriously to your costs depending on how far or how good you want the return to flying to be. Saitek/logitech hardware is a great and relatively cheap start.  

Chicago, I would think, is going to be seriously cheaper than Australia where a good medium to high end computer and Honeycomb yoke and throttle combination would cost in the AUD6000 + region.  My suggestion is to buy the best you can afford and that helps prolong the future updates.

 May I extend a warm welcome back to simming and wish you the very best in the future.

Regards

Tony

Thank you Tony.

I don't think a Chromebook would support any kind of simulator let alone FS2020. I have had this thing for a couple years now and only use it for internet browsing. I have a Windows tablet for work that I think runs Windows 10. A far departure from XP that I last used and knew quite well. 

I was never much of a game console person and really never had the eye/hand coordination when it came to playing any games on them. I had kids so we always had a game console but it just wasn't for me. I used to paint aircraft for a virtual airline I was part of so I used the PC and multiple screens for that also. A PC would definitely be the way I would want to go. Even if I didn't use it for simming, I would find other uses for it. I like to tinker with photo editing also.  

I used to own a Saitek yoke and rudder pedals and would look at getting those or something better. Again, I have been away so long that I don't even know what my options are. I would probably look into even more peripherals if my interest grew.

My post was the first step I took into delving back into the FS world. I kind of feel like I did when I bought FS98 way back in the day except I know the lingo more now than I did back then. Living and working in Chicago, I see planes coming into and leaving O'Hare and Midway whenever I am outside. I think it has kept my flight simming "juices" flowing through these last few years. I'm ready to come back to it now. 

Thanks again, 

Dan