Joystick dilemma

[Honour3]

Joysticks. I have a MS Sidewinder Precision Pro 2, sadly the shift (vital) only works with a joystick driver which isn't compatible with Vista - that makes me a saaad panda.

I need a HOTAS joystick with the minimum of: a shift-key that works with Vista; a throttle (note I'm right handed); 8 buttons (excl. Shift, incl. trigger); 8-way "hat stick"; tail rudder control. Force Feedback is redundant for me.


I've searched 3 days for an ideal joystick and I can't really decide, there's quite some bias around which discredits some 100% positive remarks.

Cost doesn't matter much but I'm mainly here for a compact and practical HOTAS control as opposed to a realistic experience.

 

[WR2]

Not likely to find a really compact HOTAS system but the Saitek X52 should get the job done in a very enjoyable way.
Saitek X52 review
Saitek X52 homepage

On sale @ Provantage $77

 

[Honour3]

But no 50% throttle marker of any sort right?

I don't see how the joystick makers can't just make one with everything.....