None for me, but I suspect it will be. Most systems run three ISA and
three or four PCI. Given that one ISA slot will be soundcard and one
modem, that leaves only one. Some will have network card, others will
have game card or ???? I use mine for an ACM card (which I'd no longer
need) but flight sim types may find that a problem. Better to use the
joystick port if possible, but if ISA gives better functionality I'd
go for it. Heck the whole of my system is designed around sims and
Quake so why worry about anything else? :)
Lots - I don't have one! 220-240 is okay, and that will be the
requirements for most of Europe.
Chicken and egg, cart and horse, software and hardware. I don't mind
that it won't work with normal racing games, but only if there _is_
support for it. I have a Rendition card solely for N2 and ICR2 and a
_good_ force-feedback wheel would be great even if it was only
supported by the various Papyrus series.
It depends how much the returns diminish as cost goes higher and how
the competition stacks up. If it sold at $1,000 it would need to have
the same quality as the equivalent offerings from ECCI, TSW,
Thrustmaster etc (taking into account the FF options). If as you say
the cost was justified by quality then I personally have no problem
with it - I'd always rather pay for quality provided that it is value
for money.
It depends how the FF is implemented. I don't care if the wheel
"twitches" when I whack the wall, but I do want to feel the steering
communicate roadholding, brakes locking, wheelspin (FWD), bumps in the
track, clipping kerbs, increasing engine revs, running over cats,
whatever affects the handling of the car. If it has a real effect on
the amount of information you get from the sim and affects the way you
drive the car then I'd certainly go for it. Just twitches when you hit
something/are hit isn't enough - I'd expect them too, but they alone
are not woth $300.
Must have
- First class build quality (esp. considering FF wear and tear)
- Independent axes for throttle, brake, steering
- Paddle gear shift (F1 style)
- Good quality wheel (suede, F1 "D" shape for me!)
- Optical pots, very reliable electrical pots, or very easily changed
pots. It's a pain desoldering and replacing mine. Once every year
isn't bad, but it is time-consuming.
- Good looks. GP500/F1-sim is a very good looking wheel, unfortunately
let down by the ergonomics.
- Reliable operation (centres to same point every time, smooth all the
way through the movement, increasing resistance to movement at end of
throw should be linear in introduction and not excessive etc).
- Good clamping system to allow for firm holding of a variety of
surfaces and thicknesses.
Nice to have
- Modularity (can add-on separate 4 speed shifter to sit by your knee,
clutch pedal, perhaps even an LED display unit such as is installed in
most modern saloon racers - that would obviate the need for dials on
screen). Even the ability to easily buy a new wheel (just the wheel)
and clip it on easily would be nice.
- Option to switch FF off and work as a normal wheel - maybe even a
separate plug for this.
- Simple stuff, give it a flat top so you can sit your keyboard on top
and keys are within easy reach.
- Option buttons supported by software for pit-stop signal, pit-speed
limiter, perhaps chat message select and send for on-line racing (one
button selects messages, other button sends or some such).
Shouldn't have
- Silly gimmicks that push up the price. Examples are the "LED gear
change light" of the F1-Sim or "McLaren designed pedals" of the same
unit.
There's much more I could add, so give me a shout if you would like
more suggestions. I'm aware that the above would probably retail for
the cost of a small family hatchback, but you did ask!
Cheers!
John
