i am new also. last year was my first year flying. i have flown both fms and G2. the G2 not nearly as much. but i just bought it off ebay for $140.00 for the full version :-) .the G2 is much more real when it comes to takoff and landing. the fms is great to teach orientation. when i went out to the field for the first time (after using fms for a couple months) my instructor said i was ready to solo after a few landings. it helped a bunch. good luck.