Is a great virtual aircraft simulator on your shopping list? You really need to do your research before you hand over any of your hard-earned money. You really don't want to decide on the wrong program, so please be careful. But how can you tell whether or not a particular computer-based aircraft simulation package is best for you? Let's find out...

Image clarity is very likely the first comparison you should make between all the programs out there. This can be a grueling task if you're just relying on software box images, instead of actually viewing videos. A few minutes online is likely to bring up many thoroughly promising video reviews. If you can't find these online results on the systems' official websites, you may want to try video sharing resources like YouTube. This is an important, but easily-performed research process that will help you make the right buying decision for yourself.

Having numerous aircraft and landscapes at your beckon call is completely necessary. Please keep this in mind while seeking out your perfect new simulator. Lack of choice is a drag. Choice, conversely, can keep you interested for many months... or even years! Make sure you view all of the main specifications of every single flight simulator you consider investing in. You'll probably be able to sniff these out online.

See to it that your sim is realistic and as life-like as it can be. Fantastic images are not the only things we're talking about here. The controls, along with the departure and arrival cities should be realistic and life-like. In addition, be certain that the aircraft operates appropriately. This is of particular importance when the weather goes kinda bonkers!

If you can customize the flight simulator to your precise requirements, you're going to be much better off. What does all of this mean? Well, you you really should have free range to mix and match various components of your overall experience. Really, if you want to command a 757 over Santa Fe in the middle of an electrical storm, you should have that option. Being okay with anything that falls short of this kind of personalization is, to be perfectly honest, an error.

Is the simulator compatible with your home computer and your current OS? If a compatibility issue arises, your excitement over your new flight sim can be very short lived! It sounds really quite hair-brained, but it definitely does happen. Always be mindful of this important factor.

Familiarize yourself with the return policy of any package that looks good to you. If you're not impressed by your program, you should receive your funds back without any hassle. So, are you going to be given a refund if you're disappointed in your sim? It is vital that the answer is yes.

Automatic updates are something you may seriously want to take a look at with your package. Oftentimes, it's quite hard to not be overwhelmed by ever forward-moving technology. Almost all softwares and devices become things of the past in short order, and yours will likely be no exception. Game technologies, along with various aviation trends, will continue advancing at breakneck speeds. Your system should, too.

Another feature you may wish to consider is hardware integration. There are some really cool, and ultra realistic flight sticks and control panels for sale today. Do not overlook the importance of hardware compatibility. Having actual controls that you can put your hands on and replicate an actual flight experience is incredibly beneficial... and crazy fun! Follow this advice or potentially come face-to-face with real disappointment.

If the system you are considering meets all of the above listed criteria, it may very well be the right product for you. Don't be afraid to take your time and shop around before deciding. A flight simulator that you're proud to call your own will be the payoff for doing this!

Actual customer reviews are very important, too, so be sure to check 'em out! Are there a lot of negative reviews, or are they mostly pretty positive? This type of research can pay huge dividends. Find out what folks like, what they don't like, and how their experiences relate to you. You'll find that the information contained within this article will serve you extremely well if you apply it.