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Is this simulator compatible with a laptop?

Applies To

RealFlight G2
RealFlight Classic
RealFlight Deluxe
RealRace
R/C Pilot

Resolution

Generally speaking, most laptops are designed to be used with 2D office applications. They are not created with 3D gaming in mind. There are, however, exceptions to every rule and some laptops will indeed function with our software.

There are currently few video card chipsets used in laptops that are compatible with our software. They are Nvidia's GeForce 2 Go, GeForce 4 Go and ATI's Mobility Radeon. If your laptop is not equipped with either of these chips, it is doubtful that the software will perform adequately.

Additionally, the laptop should include an 800 Mhz, or better, processor.

If your laptop is not equipped with a game port there are several options available to you, depending upon which version of our software you have purchased.

RealFlight, RealFlight Deluxe, R/C Pilot or RealRace

If you own the RealFlight, RealFlight Deluxe, R/C Pilot or RealRace software, we suggest that you consider purchasing a USB to game port adapter. To do so, please consult your local computer retailer or an online site such as http://www.usbcable.com.

While we are not affiliated with USB cable, many users have successfully utilized the USB adapter that they distribute. It is important to note that this adapter must be switched to Mode 3 prior to plugging it into your PC in order to function properly. Additionally, it is imperative that your respective simulator is also the latest version as well.

If you are using DirectX 7 and notice that the throttle channel is unresponsive, please download a current version of DirectX.

RealFlight G2

If you own the RealFlight Generation 2 software that came with the game port controller, you have two choices. Firstly, you may purchase a USB to game port adapter. For more information on how to do so, please refer to the RealFlight section above. Alternately, you may wish to consider the purchase of the G2 InterLink upgrade- GPMZ4212 (mode 2), GPMZ4213 (mode 1).

If you are purchasing RealFlight G2, it now comes with a USB Interlink controller.

Additional Considerations

1. Most laptops are designed strictly for use with 2D office applications, which they are capable of running very well. Generally, they are not considered 3D gaming machines or desktop replacements, and are not designed as such. There are only few graphics accelerators (video cards) emerging on the market that are capable of supporting RealFlight on a laptop. It is important to note that not all laptop manufacturers offer these graphics accelerator cards as an option. As such, laptop PCs typically do not have sound and video cards capable of running complex graphic programs such as RealFlight.

2. Most laptops do not have an IBM standard 15 pin game port. This prevents their use with certain versions of our software.

3. Most laptops do have USB ports, but we can not guarantee the RealFlight Futaba Controller will work with the USB joystick converters currently available from companies such as www.usbcable.com.

4. Unlike desktop PCs, laptops are very limited in their ability to upgrade components. Therefore, if the video or sound card is not capable of supporting the software you cannot simply and inexpensively upgrade components.

Content Copyright 2005, Knife Edge Software and Great Planes. Web design Copyright 2001, Knife Edge Software. RealFlight Software is Copyright 1997-2005,  Knife Edge Software.

Microsoft, Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP and DirectX are trademarks of the Microsoft Corp. Intel and Pentium are trademarks of the Intel Corp.

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