Gizzmo-

I've got 2002 Pro, but I'm going to pick up 2004 when it is released here in the US, simply because of the few upgrades that have been made.

From what I've heard so far, most of the add-ons will work, but even if they don't....people will start releasing add-ons for 2K4 soon after it's released.

My advice is to get 2004 if you're going to be buying your first one now.

As for destinations...well, that's really up to you.  You CAN just fly around aimlessly if you choose (I did it for years), or you can join a "Virtual Airline" (VA) which operates just like a real airline.  You fly assigned routes, at assigned times, and accumulate hours.  This will allow you to promote through the ranks of your airline.  (My VA, Hyperion Airways/Hyperion Express, has several routes and several pilots to help you.  In fact, at the beginning of August, we're going to be opening a training academy, which might be a good way for you to get your feet wet.)

As for multiplayer, you can do it in several places, however my personal favorite is the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network, or VATSIM.  On VATSIM, you're able to fly multiplayer with LIVE, voice ATC.  The controllers are guys just like you and me, but instead of playing F$, they're playing an ATC simulator.  It definitely adds to the realism.  (Plus it's free!  Always good!) And they're very newbie friendly.

Hope this answered some of your questions...welcome, and feel free to ask me or the other guys here anything.  You'll almost always get an answer!

$80US, seems a bit steep for FS2004 Baron. It's only $80 Canadian here. Anyway, wait for FS2004.

www.vatsim.net

And where do you people keep coming up with $80?  lol  Micro$oft has set the MSRP at $55. ???