> I plan to surprise my husband (who had a blast Formula racing back
> in the 70's)
> with a great setup to go racing in his den.
Wow, what a Wife......Do you have a Sister?
8-) Sorry, but I *had* to ask......
GPL is the *best* there is at the moment, no doubt at all. But, it is
*very* difficult to learn to drive correctly (smooth and fast), and if
he is a real novice, he may find it a tad difficult and therefore be
put off after a shortwhile. All I can say is tell him you asked here,
(where else would you ask anyway!) and it was heartily recommended,
and he needs to practice, practice, and then practice some more (does
he have a *lot* of free time?)
Personally I'de steer clear of FF at the moment, its still in its
infancy and hasn't yet got anywhere near its potential? (Just my
opinion). Your money would be better spent on a good quality wheel and
pedal set-up, say an ECCI (Extreme Competition Controls Inc) or TSW
(Thomas Super Wheel) or an F1 Sim or a Hyper stimulator (just search
on the net for more info). Beware, all the above cost *lots* of money,
but are well worth the extra and very reliable and well built, and
your Husband will appreciate the *feel* they give.
Not really, not for *serious* sims, which seems to be what you are
aiming for? Most PC mags are too *arcade* orientated? Your much better
off asking in here..... 8-)
For on-line ***? sure, GPL can be raced on-line (up to 20 human
opponents) via a modem. Check the VROC (Search the net) site for more
info.
GPL is excellent with both *Rendition* and *3Dfx* type cards, a 12MB
3Dfx Voodoo2 card is also a great choice for *most* other games too?
Also consider the rest of the PC system:
A *large* monitor is great for games, especially racing sims, say 17"
minimum? (SVGA of course with say 0.26 dot pitch)
A *large* fast hard disk is also essential, not only for data and
*normal* programs, but most newer games take up a lot of space too?
say 6 to 8 Gb minimum? (Either SCSI or Ultra DMA drive).
A good sound system adds an awful lot to any games. A Soundblaster 128
or *Live* card with a decent pair of speakers (or better still four
speakers!) and a sub woofer will sound great. (Or you can also get
good results by connecting your sound card to your own existing stereo
system?)
A fast CD (or better still DVD) drive will also aid games playing, as
well as *normal* applications? Say a x32 speed cd, or x5 DVD player.
As an alternative to GPL, try Nascar Racing2 or Indy Car Racing2
(oldies but good) or Formula 1 Grand prix 2 (even older but very good,
but no network or modem racing) or Formula 1 Racing Simulator or
Monaco Racing Simulator 2 (Basically the same sim?) If rallying is
your Husbands thing, try Colin McRae Rally (excellent, but sometimes
difficult to get running?)
More *arcade* type driving games include TOCA Touring cars (excellent)
or Motorhead or Screamer Rally.
However, if he was a Formula 1 nut (of any description) and you want
the *best* for him, GPL has the lot, order your copy NOW!!!
8-)
*Peter* #:-)
