1 hour ago, Dillon said:

After discovering the FBW A320 and now with Fenix on deck I can't use an airliner without an EFB tablet.  Seeing the charts is too important for navigation.  Until PMDG get's this implemented I've stopped using the 737.  I was excited and used it when it was first released but Fenix and FBW showed me the importance of SimBrief in the cockpit and I can't go back. 😶

For me, the lack of in-cockpit charts is unimportant because I use Navigraph charts on a real EFB (an iPad). Even though the Fenix already supports charts on their EFB I do not use that feature because viewing charts on a “simulated” EFB cannot compare to using the real thing.

I realize that this is not a viable option for everyone - not every sim pilot has access to an iPad, and for those who fly exclusively in VR, an in-sim EFB is the only way to view charts while remaining in the VR environment.

There is no question that the PMDG EFB will enhance the experience of flying the 737, but I would not have wanted them to hold the initial release of the aircraft because the EFB is not yet ready.

11 minutes ago, JRBarrett said:

For me, the lack of in-cockpit charts is unimportant because I use Navigraph charts on a real EFB (an iPad). Even though the Fenix already supports charts on their EFB I do not use that feature because viewing charts on a “simulated” EFB cannot compare to using the real thing.

I realize that this is not a viable option for everyone - not every sim pilot has access to an iPad, and for those who fly exclusively in VR, an in-sim EFB is the only way to view charts while remaining in the VR environment.

There is no question that the PMDG EFB will enhance the experience of flying the 737, but I would not have wanted them to hold the initial release of the aircraft because the EFB is not yet ready.

I use Avliasoft EFB, which has all the charts I need, instantly available while I am flying on the moving map. Don't have to look up any charts at all. Doesn't matter which aircraft I am flying. 

https://www.aivlasoft.com/

13 minutes ago, JRBarrett said:

For me, the lack of in-cockpit charts is unimportant because I use Navigraph charts on a real EFB (an iPad). Even though the Fenix already supports charts on their EFB I do not use that feature because viewing charts on a “simulated” EFB cannot compare to using the real thing.

I realize that this is not a viable option for everyone - not every sim pilot has access to an iPad, and for those who fly exclusively in VR, an in-sim EFB is the only way to view charts while remaining in the VR environment.

There is no question that the PMDG EFB will enhance the experience of flying the 737, but I would not have wanted them to hold the initial release of the aircraft because the EFB is not yet ready.

 

Same here .. I have both a Laptop and a Microsoft surface on my desk. Load up the chart on my surface and keep it moving. In addition to that i've been using an app called toper737NGfree for my departure calculations .... The 737 has been the preferred flavor since release. The EFB is purely an optional convenience item for me. Does not fall even in the annoyance category much less a showstopper.

I would argue the EFB is an absolutely integral part of the experience because of the performance calculator alone.  Without this data you could not safely takeoff or land your aircraft.

10 minutes ago, Maxis said:

For me, the lack of in-cockpit charts is unimportant because

For me too, but I also really do not like the options on the FMS screen and that has been enough to cause me to park the 737. I am looking forward to the updated LNAV -- a long, long time coming -- and the tablet -- and hopefully in time PMDG will implement a fuller electrical system with working circuit breakers. Even though I likely do not need to, I enjoy checking them on the FENIX on the first flight of the day.

Orville and Wilbur nearly gave up because they didn't have EFB. Somehow they persevered. Not sure how though.

And, of course, Navigraph's iPad-native Charts app (Android, too, I think) serves as an excellent chart resource at no additional charge to the Navigraph subscription. EFBs are in my "that's nice" category, but hardly "must have". 

But that whole discussion is moot. It will be ready when it's ready.

1 hour ago, Gilandred said:

I would argue the EFB is an absolutely integral part of the experience because of the performance calculator alone.  Without this data you could not safely takeoff or land your aircraft.

We've been siming for decades without it though and many real world operators don't use it either. Do I want the EFB? Yes. Do I need it? No. I can run de-rated takeoffs via topcat just as I did for the PMDG 737's going back to FSX...

Edited July 24, 20223 yr by MrNuke

19 minutes ago, MrNuke said:

We've been siming for decades without it though and many real world operators don't use it either. Do I want the EFB? Yes. Do I need it? No. I can run de-rated takeoffs via topcat just as I did for the PMDG 737's going back to FSX...

Nothing wrong with this. But going back in time feels a lot more primitive than when you were there the first time. 

1 minute ago, micstatic said:

Nothing wrong with this. But going back in time feels a lot more primitive than when you were there the first time. 

I don't disagree with that either, but count my in the camp that if the EFB was going to delay the release of the 737-700, I'm glad they made the decision they did.

I am certainly also happy that they went ahead and released it -- the EFB is pretty near the bottom of my wish list for the development of this aircraft -- however, having an EFB makes my simulation a much more enjoyable experience, and so 95 percent of the time I decide to fly an airliner it ends up being the FENIX.

2 hours ago, MrNuke said:

We've been siming for decades without it though and many real world operators don't use it either. Do I want the EFB? Yes. Do I need it? No. I can run de-rated takeoffs via topcat just as I did for the PMDG 737's going back to FSX...

That’s because real world operators either rely on dispatch or performance charts for that info. Unless you have access to those for each airport, or another payware tool such as topcat, then yes the EFB is needed.

Edited July 24, 20223 yr by Gilandred

Obviously this is not everyone's priority, but have PMDG ever given an indication if they still intend to make the cabin part of the cockpit model?

I think it's still only accessible from spot view?

ahh yes the -600.   used by a plethora of airlines. Below pic shows the massive amount of them flying on a sunday night in July.....

  Anyone might think they released a 700 and 600 to drum up sales before the -800... just saying.

 

6 hours ago, Bobsk8 said:

Since when does Simbrief provide charts? 

Oops, I meant Navigraph with Simbrief integration into the EFB.🙃