FSX Pre-release demo version for downlaod

Gents,

I just installed and gave her a test. My sys is as follows:

Dell XPS400
Dual Core P2.8 Ghtz
2 Gig Ram
Nvidia 7300LE PCIe 512 Meg
80 Gig HD 7200RMP
19" Synch Master 913v Flatscreen at 1280x1024 32bit

I started with everything maxed out; got an average of 5-12 FPS in any view.

I tuned down to the Medium-High setting, with a little change of a few FPS....never got any higher than 18.

Same place, same time with FS9, tuned to the highest settings, with Real Sky V2, and add on scenery, 100% AI, FPS set at 30, I was getting 25-30. Real weather had 7 miles vis. I've posted two compairison shots. So, unless the completed version has a few more FPS friendly changes, or, it really needs DX10 and Vista to get all it can, I'll probably be sticking with FS9 for a tad bit....who knows eh?

I was coerced and brow beatin into downloading the demo. I didn't want to. They made me...You know who you are.
I have to say that the more I play with it and try different settings, I really like it. I'm not getting great frame rates, but I have it down to where there are few stutters. I have the water set at medium and most land scenery options set to low.

Seems my frame rates drop a lot when I have land in the picture in spot view. Maybe that's because the land reflects on the water.

I'll be buying it when it comes out, but will hang onto fs9, especially if I have multiplayer issues with FSX.

Did you know that if you hit "Alt" key, the pull down menu comes up but does not pause the game? Also, hold "alt" down for a second at it dissapears.

Also, whatever view mode you are in, pressing "A", cycles you through the various view modes assocaited with the view mode you are in.
Very nice new feature and views.

My system specs
Dell 8300 2.8 mhz
Windows XP home SP2
1 gig ram
ati 9800 pro 256 mg vid card.
19 inch flat panel monitor

Have a great day all