joystick worries

[406pilot]

hi guys,(mustn't 4get the gals)

need some suggestions on buying a reliable joystick for my pc
system requirement not an issue here just price v/s fuctionality.i am consdering the sidewinder 2 frm microsoft with force feedback
so any reviews on that (pro's v/s cons) will be appreciated needless to say im operating the fs2002 with dash 8-300 add on frm phoenix

cheers
406pilot

[WeatherJinx]

406pilot

I purchased the Microsoft SideWinder 2 Force Feedback at the weekend, but unfortunately have had to return it, due to the fact that there were some minor incompatibilities with my Mac and X-Plane (which there shouldn't really have been as the joystick is USB and supposedly HID-compliant, but there you go).

It will almost certainly work fine if you are using a Windows PC. It has quite a large footprint, but feels very well-made - definitely a quality product.

I ended up replacing it with the Logitech Freedom 2.4 Wireless. I'm extremely pleased with it - it takes up less desk space, works well in every way and also has a 'quality' feel to it - plus the wireless aspect is for me a worthwhile trade-off for the force-feedback, which I don't really need. Happy shopping!

Jx

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

406pilot,

The Force Feedback is fun, but with some people it gets old and they end up turning it off.

If you want something a little different there is the Saitek X45 Flight Control Joystick.

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/26-102-501-03.JPG

and the Guillemot THRUSTMASTER Hotas Cougar Joystick.

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/26-102-303-01.JPG

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/26-102-303-02.JPG

If you like having a desk free of clutter, there is the Logitech Freedom:

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/26-102-205-01.JPG

If you want a standard joystick, Microsoft has the Precision 2. (without Force Feedback)

http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/65/95/56/42/0065955642247_500X500.jpg

Take Care,

Richard

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

TCS,

I thought according to the PPRuNe Militant MACers, everything you can do on a PC is done better on a MAC. :confused:

Richard

[WeatherJinx]

Now, now girls...

Let's take this s-l-o-w-l-y - if the Logitech stick works perfectly and the Microsoft one doesn't - perhaps it's the MS stick that's not complying with industry standards (USB, HID)?

Which is funny, really...'cos that's exactly how they treat every other industry standard!

You two should form a double act - you're hilarious.

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

WeatherJinx,

It would not be the first time MS did something to ensure only compatibility with MS products.

Anyone remember DR DOS?

Take Care,

Richard

[WeatherJinx]

My point precisely Richard..ditto what they did to Netscape, QuickTime, etc. ad nauseam..I don't think M$ can spell DOJ even now ;)

BTW the only problem was that the throttle 'quadrant' wasn't recognised - not a showstopper (it would have been easy to assign a button or key), but nonetheless irritating enough not to hand 40 quid over to ol' Billy Boy. The wireless Logitech turned out to be spot-on - not to mention £10 less!

Jx