rec.autos.simulators

I don't really consider myself a hard-core gamer (mostly because I haven't really had a system that could handle the games), but I just bought EA Sports F1 2000 and I really like it so far. I'm currently playing with a joystick (Logitech WingMan Extreme Digital 3D). I had purchased a Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Wheel last Friday (when I bought the game) but returned it. The wheel was defective and refused to be recoginzed by the computer when I plugged it into the USB ports.  I tried this on several different computers with the same result. The store refunded my money, as they didn't have any more wheels in stock.

Now, after playing awhile, I'm trying to decide if I should get the same wheel when they come in (the sales person said that they would have more in early this week), or if I should get something else. I've been doing some research on the web, which has helped and confused me at the same time.

Here are the things I would like input on:

Force Feedback: Having never tried one, I really have no idea what I may or may not be missing. I'm sort of leaning toward FFB, as I would hate to decide I want it after buying a wheel. How are FFB with the feedback turned off, or can you?

USB: I would prefer one for a USB port, as my current sound card is an old ISA 16 bit card and I'm not sure if the "game port" even works.

Wheels I'm considering: Microsoft, Logitech, and ACT-LABS. I have only been able to "handle" the Microsoft mentioned above. I have small hands if that is a factor. My main "*** / sim" interests are F1, CART and Sports Cars. I'm looking forward to the release of the World Sports Cars game / sim.
I like the idea of the gated shifter as an add-on with the Act-Labs wheel, but I want F1 type "paddles" also.

Pedals: From what I've been able to read, some of the pedals allow for braking and acceleratng at the same time ( I can't remember the precise term). Which of the above, if any, offer this? Is this really that important?

Price: I would like to keep the cost down as much as possible. No more than $150 US.

bacground

I don't really consider myself a hard-core gamer (mostly because I haven't really had a system that could handle the games), but I just bought EA Sports F1 2000 and I really like it so far. I'm currently playing with a joystick (Logitech WingMan Extreme Digital 3D). I had purchased a Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Wheel last Friday (when I bought the game) but returned it. The wheel was defective and refused to be recoginzed by the computer when I plugged it into the USB ports.  I tried this on several different computers with the same result. The store refunded my money, as they didn't have any more wheels in stock.

Now, after playing awhile, I'm trying to decide if I should get the same wheel when they come in (the sales person said that they would have more in early this week), or if I should get something else. I've been doing some research on the web, which has helped and confused me at the same time.

Here are the things I would like input on:

Force Feedback: Having never tried one, I really have no idea what I may or may not be missing. I'm sort of leaning toward FFB, as I would hate to decide I want it after buying a wheel. How are FFB with the feedback turned off, or can you?

USB: I would prefer one for a USB port, as my current sound card is an old ISA 16 bit card and I'm not sure if the "game port" even works.

Wheels I'm considering: Microsoft, Logitech, and ACT-LABS. I have only been able to "handle" the Microsoft mentioned above. I have small hands if that is a factor. My main "*** / sim" interests are F1, CART and Sports Cars. I'm looking forward to the release of the World Sports Cars game / sim.
I like the idea of the gated shifter as an add-on with the Act-Labs wheel, but I want F1 type "paddles" also.

Pedals: From what I've been able to read, some of the pedals allow for braking and acceleratng at the same time ( I can't remember the precise term). Which of the above, if any, offer this? Is this really that important?

Price: I would like to keep the cost down as much as possible. No more than $150 US.

Any and all opinions welcome.

TIA,

Kent

I'm sorry for sending this twice. My news reader hic-uped  when I sent the first one and left it in the "outbox" so I sent it again.

<bobbit>

  All I can tell you is 'most' of the newer FF wheels work pretty good.
However titles, especially the EA F1 titltes, do not represent FF very well
and provoke a pretty hefty Frame rate penalty.  However, if you get the
chance, a FF wheel in GPL is majik....
dave henrie


I don't really consider myself a hard-core gamer (mostly because I haven't
really had a system that could handle the games), but I just bought EA
Sports F1 2000 (snip)