RE: Flight Simulator
I'm happy with Phoenix, though I basically just use to to practice a few small things as I learn new pattern sequences. I have an oldish laptop (1.2ghz processor, minimal graphics card) and it runs OK.
You can go online and fly with other people from all over the world which is cool. Pretty neat to see other guys from the pattern forum on there practicing. You can talk to them, too, and crash into them and stuff if you feel up to it, lol.
Price is good, free updates/add-ons. I use my own controller.
Didn't really like Realflight, mostly because they rob you with expansion packs. Didn't really like FSOne either.