SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 9:55 pm Post subject: What to expect from FSX

Like many of us, I came a long way with FS, starting with FS 98. I'm now a happy customer with FS9 with many scenery and airplane updates. On business- and vacation trips I use a Mac Powerbook laptop though, and as we all know only too well, Mac and Windows based games are a no go.

Becoming somewhat addicted to simming (who here is not), I was searching google for some decent alternatives that I could use when away from home on my Mac. The only one acceptable I found is called X-plane. It can be used both on Windows and Mac systems (no worries, I'm not affiliated to this company).

When I looked at their website I was guided to some pretty impressive screenshots. Of course I wanted to see more of them (if you want too, go to www.global-scenery.org). It was simply awsome, much more and much better than anything FS9 ever had to offer. Have a look alone at their New Zealand territory, absolutely spectacular!

Looking at pictures, Microsoft has offered us as a glimpse into FSX, I believe that X-plane is the benchmark, Microsoft will rally around. They announced that FSX will only be shipped on DVD. X-plane comes in a box with 7 (in words: S E V E N !!) dual layer DVDs, each of them comprising 8 gig of scenery for a different part of the world for 69.- US$. If we install all of them, it will occupy 60 gig in hard disk space (read that again please). Except for those monster computers, some of us have, that means no more flying around the world or hopping from Hong Kong Kai-tak to Frankfurt in a jiffy. You'd better stick to one continent and go exploring your own backyard.

All the scenery add-ons most of us have, will be rendered obsolete, because FSX scenery will be just so good. I hope that our add-on planes still do work though!!

As stated earlier I'm happpy with my good old trusted FS9, but after having seen x-plane, I'm afraid, we'll get all hooked on FSX!!

Now how about that 200 gig hard disk for our birthday. Or how about a new much more powerful PC. Who on earth needs a new car.