Joystick question from newbie

[Larry Beezley]

I'm going to buy MS Flight Sim 2002 soon and I'm wondering if Sidewinder is
the preferred joystick? I'm interested in others' opinions about joysticks.

I have a P4 1.8 GHz, 512 DDR, GeForce 3 w/64 MB, 80 GB hdd.
TIA,
Larry

 

[Chris H.]

Larry, I used the USB SideWinder Force Feedback 2, but others have
pedal/yoke combinations and much, much fancier than that. It depends on how
much you're going to be into flying. One recommendation, though - wait for
Flight Simulator 2004, a Century of Flight. You can check it out here:
http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulator/ It is due out July 29.

 

[Larry Beezley]

Thanks, Chris, but I'm not sure how committed I'll find myself to be. And
that's why I think I'll start off with FS 2002, which will be about $20 in
short order, I think. Thanks again.
Larry

 

[Chris H.]

I'd say to save your money and start with the best. FS 2002 is really,
really nice, but FS 2004 is much, MUCH better.

 

[Chris H.]

Incorrect post, Mike. Game port devices do work on Windows XP. Control
Panel/Game Controllers, then Add the Microsoft SideWinder (Auto Detect).
The Windows XP system itself has the drivers to get the joystick going.
What you can no longer do is (1) install the version 3.x software because it
is written in unsupported vxd format, and (2) save profiles or make button
adjustments in Control Panel. You can, however, do the latter if it is
supported in the in-game Options.