rec.autos.simulators

Well I hope this is not stating the obvious, but after purchasing a
Thrustmaster GP-1 wheel last week at CompUSA ($69-$20 instant rebate -
$30 mail-in rebate + tax = $24 U.S.) I'd recomend that if you enjoy
playing racing games, that a wheel makes it so much more enjoyable and
defintely faster.  In the last few hours that I've sat down to play
Nascar 2 - Talladega, using the AI patch available on The Pits and the
98 carset, plus a borrowed setup and NO changes to my skill level,
I've improved my best lap in race to 195.562 from a previous best of
193 and change.  I'm sure there must be some speed left.  I've also
been able to win a 100% opponent strength race, where previously with
the keyboard I was struggling at 97% strength.  I know that the GP-1
has some short comings, but I just couldn't pass up the price even
though I know I don't race much anymore.  So if you keep on wondering
why you can't attain those speeds that others keep posting on the
newsgroupt, it could simply be your going as fast as your can with a
keyboard.

PI

Driving with the keyboard?  Dude, welcome to analog!!

Yeah, but seriously, who in the world plays realistic driving
simulations with a keyboard? I've been using an digital-analogue
joystick for I can't remember how long now, would I benefit from
buying a wheel? How much?

-
"If the meaning of life was printed in a book, someone
 would use it to keep the window open."

A person can become very good with a keyboard or joystick/gamepad if
that's all they have used.  But in terms of how much you would benefit
from a wheel, only you can answer that question.  If you take into
regards a couple of factors: 1. How often you you play  2. Are you
competitive with posted lap times on various web sites and newsgroups
or on a online racing series  3.  How much are you willing to spend on
a wheel, like I posted before I picked up the GP-1 wheel for $25
(including tax etc) from CompUSA, but of course a Thompson Super Wheel
is $300+.   In the past I used a keyboard and tried several times to
use a joystick, and I never felt comfortable and ended up abandoning
the joystick for the keyboard.  But a wheel in a racing game feels
"natural", even though I know others will say I bought a wheel with an
accelerator and break on the wheel, no one uses that except for the
handicapped.  Oh well suits my needs.

PI