First what is your price range? What sort of flying do you do (eg. Combat flight sim, Flight sim or allround)? Does it need to have Force feedback?

Some more information would make it easier for us to help

Check out the Saitek X-45 HOTAS...lovely stick!

HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) is designed like that so that all functions you would ever use can pe programmed onto the buttons on the joysticks, hence you never have to let go of em!  This is the same setup used in the F-16 fighter.  Could be a bit extreme if you are planning on using it for other games though.

I got a Microsoft Sidewinder Precision pro II.  This is ample for me, has 8buttons in total and a hat switch for looking around in VC view.  Also has the 'Twist' capabilities for using the rudder on an aircraft.  Its also fine for using with other games too.

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/sidewinder/Joysticks.asp

That link takes you to the M$ page for some info.  Sure its not super flashy but its robust, automatically calibrates, and does the job.  Didn't cost me to much either so I can spend more on payware goodies for FS2004 

Quote:


As wrong as that is on so many levels, let's tackle them individually, shall we?


1.  It's not cheap, but it's hardly expensive compared to some of the alternatives.

2.  Meaning what, exactly?  It likes other joysticks?  In fact, you'll be pleased to find out that the joystick is completely asexual, meaning it does not reproduce sexually.  In fact, each one is assembled by either a person or a machine.  Go figure.

3.  Too confusing?  Seriously, how hard is it to increase your throttle with one hand and steer with the other?  Oh wait, you're doing that already with your keyboard. 

4.  There are some games you can't use it on (BF:1942, for example).  This is the fault of the game's creator, not Saitek.  How?  I can't remember, I was too busy doing things more productive than reading the technical aspects of a game I don't play.  Check the Saitek Forums and they'll probably explain it for you.