RealFlight Simulator - Who Needs the Great Planes RealFlight Simulator G4.5 Vs G3.5?

The Great Planes RealFlight Simulator has been delighting and training a generation of RC pilots for over a decade. While there are some dedicated fans who move to each new version as soon as it is released, the decision is not clear-cut for all users, and for the new purchaser of the Great Planes RealFlight simulator, there may be good reason to buy the older RealFlight G3.5 software.

Considerations In Choosing Which Version Of The Great Planes RealFlight Simulator To Use

A major consideration for many users is the capability of their existing computer system. The Great Planes RealFlight Simulator G4.5 is a graphics-intensive application. This makes for a gripping and gorgeous visual experience - if your computer is up to the task. If not, there can be frustrating interruptions to the simulation.

Great Planes RealFlight Simulator G3.5 Minimum Requirements

Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP

Pentium 1.0 Ghz or equivalent

256 MB RAM

2 GB Hard Drive Space

Direct X 9 (or above)

3D accelerated video card, 32+ MB with dedicated RAM

Great Planes RealFlight Simulator G4.5 Minimum Requirements

Windows 98* SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista

Intel Pentium 1.0GHz or equivalent

512 MB RAM

3 GB hard drive space

3D accelerated video card with: 32 MB dedicated video memory,

full Windows DirectX 9 compliant (Pixel Shader 1.4 support)

With the minimum system, some of the graphics features of the Great Planes RealFlight Simulator G4.5 will be disabled. For optimal performance, the manufacturers recommend:

Dual Core 2.4GHz CPU

2 GB RAM

3D Accelerated Video with: 256 MB dedicated video memory, Pixel Shader 2.0 support

New In Great Planes RealFlight Simulator G 4.5 - Take Off and Land On Water

If you're new to the sport, it may not be important to you immediately to practice water take-offs and landings. For the experienced pilot, though, the lure is almost irresistible, especially given the incredibly attractive locations featured in the Great Planes RealFlight Simulator G4.5.

Conclusion: Great Planes RealFlight Simulator G3.5 Or G4.5?

If you have the hardware to run it, then absolutely go with RealFlight Simulator G4.5. It is worth every penny and will give you hours of pleasure - as well as improving your skills.

If your current computer system won't support the RealFlight Simulator G4.5, you will need to weigh up the new features in RealFlight Simulator G4.5 against the cost of upgrading your hardware. The flight simulator engine is the same, which means that your basic flying experience with RealFlight G3.5 will be of similar quality to Realflight G4.5, even though the graphics are less detailed.

See demonstration videos and screen shots of the Great Planes RealFlight Simulator [http://www.gameshobbiesworld.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=180&zenid=5d662c9f5005dd39061c7201012dc575] at GamesHobbiesWorld.

Compare in detail Great Planes RealFlight Simulator G3.5 and Great Planes RealFlight Simulator G4.5 - features and system requirements Realflight features comparison

The Great Planes RealFlight Simulator has been almost universally acclaimed as the best RC simulation software available, and will be enjoyed by beginner and experienced pilots alike. Remember to shop wisely, as with any software purchase - select a reputable vendor who will provide you with the support and customer service you deserve.

Karl Bailey is a staff writer for Computer Island, and a regular contributor to GamesHobbiesWorld and The Leading Edge. He has written extensively on hardware, software, the internet, and telecommunications.

This article forms part of his series on radio controlled aircraft.