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Just wondering if there are any threads here comparing the two.
I'm planning to buy one of them, but not quite sure which one yet.
If anyone has anything bad or good to say about either, I would appreciate your comments.
Is the 800/900 pmdg package worth the extra $$?
I'm wondering if the A349 textures (exterior and instrument panels) are as good as the 737ng.
Also, does the A340 have the same Flight management system as the 737?
How about documentation. I haven't heard much good about the manuals that come with the 737ng.
If this is the wrong forum for this, feel free to move it ...thanks..MH
Hey Michael, I'm not sure about any past posts (Radarman will provide those soon), but if you'd like to see a professional review of the A340, check out computer pilot magazine's. It's fairly thorough, and they do compare the two at times: http://www.computerpilot.com/resource/files/samples/sampleArticle779.pdf
Also, wait for GPS-kid to get back at you on this one. He owns and flies both regularly.
As far as the 800/900 upgrade, it is worth the money. It replaces the default panel from the first one with a much more enhanced one (not that it even needed touching up!!), and finished modeling systems like the TCAS that were unavailable for the first model. If you don't get it, you won't really know what you're missing so it's no biggie, but you'll be happy if you do get it.
The documentation for the PMDG is fairly thorough, it just depends on what you're looking for. If you want one that is exactly like the real world one, you won't find it, but otherwise you can pretty much get all of the information you need. Oh, but I'm speaking of the PDF's that come with the installation, NOT the booklets. The PDF's teach you how to plan out your fuel to the last gallon, proper startup procedures, all of the FMC functions, Emergency procedures, etc. etc.
As far as the FMC between the airbus and the boeing, it is different because the Airbus works differently. As you'll see in the article, Boeing require you to turn things on, and Airbus is usually has pre-set systems that you need to turn off (when required). The thinking is slightly different, but equally fun.
Which ever one you end up with, I hope you enjoy the hours of learning ahead of you!
Thanks very much for that comprehensive reply Captain.
Will certainly read the review keep on reading whatever I can find for a little while.
If I get the pmdg, I will go for the 800/900 addon.
I have managed to find some nice tutorials for the 737ng online (unofficial ones)
I have the PMDG 737 NG 600/700 and the instruction manuals run to over 100 pages(73 + 45)
Ive had it just over a month now and still 
have to pick up the books
Its very rewarding when you do complete a flight
GPS convinced me 👍
Michael_H wrote:
If I get the pmdg, I will go for the 800/900 addon.
I think that you need the PMDG 737 NG 600/700 package to install the new add-on 800/900.
Thanks guys,
Yes you do need the 737 package before you can install the 800/900 addon.
Tom, I know what the learning curve is and how complex it is; that's why I want it... 😀
I'm glad you're up for a challenge! After you master this craft and maybe a few other accuratly modeled ones, you'll never be able to go back to the default MS planes! I can't remember the last time I flew a default MS commercial airplane...
Thanks Captain,
After reading the review you provided, and a few more, and looking at countless screen shots, I've pretty well settled on the 737ng. I'll sleep on it and decide in the morning. Thanks again for your help...
I have both, but still think (my opinion) 737NG is the better package
Thanks for that PATW,
that settles it!
Maybe later on I'll get the Airbus package, but for now it's the PMDG.
Good advice from all .... I'll add my brief thoughts as I say the advice above is all good.
It comes down to personal choice and the interesting thing is that the deicsion on which of the 2 to go for from a SIM perspective is similar to the differences between the REAL aircraft !
The PMDG 737NG is by far more complex than A340 Pro and more is modelled.
Just think about the real world...... The 737NG requires around 14 procedures to start engines... The modern Airbus series takes a fraction of that, after Batt power and APU bleed is on most of the start up is automated.
The learning Curve for 737NG is HUGE and it can be frustrating at times but as TTT said, it's SOOOO worth it in the end and also as Pat / Grunge have said, you'll certainly not go back to flying default FS jets !
I love both of these planes - if I want a HEAVY session I'll fly the 737NG somewhere busy - if I was something more chilled and less demanding I'll fly the A340.....
Ultimately I'd say that if you are completely new to FMCs and the complexities of automated flight the A340 Pro is a better entry.... if you're a little more confident and up for some serious procedural learning, go for the 737NG....
Whatever you go for, you'll get plenty of help on here !
Whatever you go for, you'll get plenty of help on here !
thanks GPS, I have no doubt I'll need it.
I installed the 737 ng earlier this afternoon and just played a bit with it..I intend to do a lot of reading for the next week or so before I try much with it. First impression is good. I flew a short manual flight just to get the feel of the controls and they feel good.
One more thing, what's your feeling on buying the 800/900 addon?
I've got both. I prefer the Airbus A340 addon over 737NG for two-and-a-half reasons 😀
1) The Airbus addon is MUCH more frame-rate friendly.
2) The Airbus systems are much more advanced (I love technology)
the half) The Airbus addon is MUCH easier to get to grips with and get going 
Dave
Thanks Captain horrgakx,
As mentioned above, I already got the 737.
As for frame rates, it does hit them a bit, but not too bad on my system. Probably around 2 fps average drop. But I've only flown it once so hard to say yet.
I have over-clocked my P4 by about 10% to compensate for the extra load on the CPU.
thanks MH
If you have just bought the standard NG version (-600/-700) I wouldn't bother getting the 800/900 upgrade just yet as you'll not get the benefits until you've learned how to operate the original versions.
Just take your time with the NG and pick bits up at a time - learning the proper Engine Start takes some doing and if you start there you'll pick up a good awareness of whats needed to start pretty much any jet - you always need electrical power, APU Bleed Air, and of course fuel.
The mighty FMC is probably the next big chapter in the saga - eventually you will flick through every page of it and at a glance understand all of the settings (and can check them over in a few seconds before take-off)..
The NG cannot import FS2004 flight plans so when you are planning a flight you need to copy down all of the waypoints from the Flight Planner, so that you can type them manually into the RTE (Route) section of the FMC.
You also need to note down fuel (in pounds), Zero Fuel Weight (empty airplane weight plus payload), and Gross Weight.
The A340 Pro has most of the same capabilities although the VNAV (Vertical Navigation) is not modelled as fully as in the NG.
It is a lighter learning experiance and is also a really good fun big jet to fly - I've found it has better Autolanding performance than the 737NG but you'll not be wanting to use Autoland these planes - you'll be mastering your manual landing techniques !
Thanks GPS for the good advice,
slowly but surely he goes.
I probably will get the A340 later, but one thing at a time.
Michael
