help with laptop requirements

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to buy a laptop so that i can install FS2004 to use as a training tool while i'm going for my pilot's license.

Could someone please tell me what i should be looking for as far as specs go. I'm not that up with the technical side of computers, just how to turn them on and run programs.

Also whats a good joystick to use? don't really need anything too fancy.

Thanks
Antinnz

I think the general idea is to take note of the Minimum Requirements printed on the retail box of FS and when you buy your computer make sure the specs are well ABOVE those Minimum Requirements.

Joystick: even if you decide on an inexpensive, simple one, if you have a chance to check out the sticks in the shop, pay attention to the FEEL of the stick - in particular the weight.
It gets very annoying when you find your stick is working perfectly in every aspect except you need your other hand to hold it down and prevent it from slipping all over the place

Good luck,
Rick

May I add something about the joystick, make sure it twists so you can use it as a rudder.
If you feed "joystick" into our search above you'll find dozens of discussions about all the different types.

If you have more questions about the notebooks specs tell us how much you are willing to spend.

I'm looking to spend about two grand. been looking around and i think i could get a HP with 512mb RAM, 1.73Ghz processor and 40/60Gb HDD.

Would this do the trick?

See if this post is any help http://flyawaysimulation.com/forum/topic/9067/laptop-specsplease-help/

What kind of video card are they installing, you want the best you can get so the aircraft will not only look better but it will fly "smoother" FPS (Frames Per Second).
If you are buying a new machine to run the sim get at least 1 gig of ram and if you plan on getting the next version of the sim make that 2 gigs.
As for the h/d I would go 60 or more, with today's bloated software you'll fill it up quickly.
A 1.7 gig will do the trick but you will have much better results over 2 gig, if you cut corners now it's not a desktop that can be upgraded easily.
Power is the keyword, this is a very graphic intensive piece of software.

Let us know what you do.

Thanks for all the info! I'll try and get 1Gb of ram if i can afford it

I'll let you know how i get on.