Thanks guys.

PG, to play x3R or x3TC with cockpits, assuming I get the 'gold edition' (Gold Edition includes X3: Reunion 2.5, X3: Terran Conflict 2.0, "The Aldrin Missions", and a soundtrack CD) and I update X3TC to the 2.5 version, do I have to install some mods in order to fly with cockpits or are they included in these version?

spydoc- you'd need to install the mod to fly w/ cockpits. it's VERY easy to install most mods as fake patches. basically, rename the .cat and .cat file to a number above that of the highest named .cat and .dat file in the main x3:tc (or x3:r) folder. in other words, if the vanilla game's highest is 08, then the cockpit .cat and .dat files are renamed as 09 each and placed in that folder.

bingo, no need to select the cockpits as a mod, b/c they run as a fake patch.

link to 2 different cockpit mods:

http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=254635&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=262446&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
http://www.its-schiffswerft.homepage.t-online.de/html/english.html (screenshots)

i prefer the 1st mod, b/c the 2nd takes up too much of the screen in many cases.

Have they improved the ui any? The game has always looked interesting and I tried it about 3 years ago, but the clunkiness of the interface was a huge turn-off.

yeah, they have. x3:tc is, in my opinion, the game designers finally "getting it" as far as user accessibility is concerned. it's also a ton easier to earn credits in the game and find missions. i think the interface is a damn site better, with pretty much everything available via a left-hand menu system. x3:r i'd gave a 6/10 for in terms of this, x3:tc i'd give an 8.5 to.

Thanks for the linkie's, PG. Ditto what Speedo said, agreed that was the reason for me as well. I still have a copy of X3R sitting in the box, could never get past the User Interface enough to start enjoying the story...

Hmm, like I said, I'm looking into picking up the Gold edition. Looks promising, nice cockpit mods as well.

This is really a great space sim if you haven't tried it I join in to highly recommend it. You can spend hours and not even know it! It's like most sims though, you spend a lttle time learning the controls and what does what and then it becomes second nature.

Take a look at this link for all kinds of info and downloads.

The Ultimate X resource and guides list - last updated 13/01/2010
http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=162408

Thanks for the link ot the cockpit mod, I'm gonna give it a look.

I will have to try X3TC with those mods installed.

make sure to use this mod, too
makes the game look and run much better:

http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=3158503#3158503

removes all the stupid regenerating fog and dust that muddies up the view

Very helpful links, again, looks like there has been a ton of community support for the x series.