Here's one of the worst things about having a Mac

[comedine]

Being left out of stuff like this:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/logitechs-high-end-flight-system-g940-hands-on/

 

[r.j.s]

What about X-Plane and its FAA approved training system?

 

[gr8tfly]

If it's USB, chances are it is supported by X-Plane. If so, it will have virtually unlimited configurability.

As an example: I use RealFlight r/c flight simulator. There isn't a Mac counterpart, so I run it in XP SP3 Boot Camp. That all aside, it comes with a USB flight controller, which is basically a 8 or 9 channel transmitter for r/c aircraft.

Back to the Mac and X-Plane:
I plugged it in, started up X-Plane, made a couple of calibration steps and set some switches and knobs the way I like (for gear & flap, for instance) and off I went. (X-Plane version 9). X-Plane has the most accurate flight models. Period. Its basic control engine is used in their FAA certified IFR flight trainer. There's a large user support base where you can download/purchase custom aircrafts and more.

If you do go with X-Plane, here's an amazing add on: a moving map display on your iPhone/iPod Touch using "Sky Charts". It covers the entire US with sectionals, FAA airport information (including: IFR Approach & Departure charts!). The iPhone links over LAN (wireless) to X-Plane and receives virtual GPS signals from the X-Plane aircraft in flight. Very slick - watch your flight progress during flight or get un-lost 😉 . I believe Sky Charts has plans for tracking path and possibly for the IFR plates.

 

[Pika]

The worst thing a Mac would want is an hardcore gamer.

 

[windywoo]

The worst thing a Mac would want is an hardcore gamer.

Yeah someone who actually gives a crap about the performance of their computer and what hardware is under the bonnet. Much better to have a bunch of people who get moist over UI design.

 

[Mr Skills]

Yeah someone who actually gives a crap about the performance of their computer and what hardware is under the bonnet. Much better to have a bunch of people who get moist over UI design.

The whole point of Apple's philosophy - from the mac to the iPod to the iPhone - is about prioritising user experience over pure features.

If you don't buy into that philosophy, Apple gear isn't for you.

 

[opinioncircle]

I know I could have googled this, but is Xplane a game?

 

[r.j.s]

I know I could have googled this, but is Xplane a game?

A flight simulator, with the most accurate physics and a FAA certification.

 

[liptonlover]

The article is talking about hardware. Hardware which will either work with xplane, or equivalents from someone else will. And xplane is the best in my experience because it has the best physics engine, the most content, and the most configuration including adding even more content. I mean, it's even got the moon and mars!

@ opinioncircle - I consider it more of a game because for those of us that have reason to buy flight sims, we enjoy it. Also, because it's so customizable, you can set up official dogfights (I do it WWII style 🙄) and there are scripts for races and such I believe.

/Friendly rant 🙂
Nate

 

[Shivetya]

Yeah someone who actually gives a crap about the performance of their computer and what hardware is under the bonnet. Much better to have a bunch of people who get moist over UI design.

Nah, too many buy Apple's because it makes them think they are intelligent, cool, and hip. I still can't believe the people I see when I do the drive through at some local coffee shops.

Oh well, the last place I take a laptop or similar is a coffee shop.