Im pretty excited about D4 (if ever comes out). Suffice to say I played d1 d2 d3 a lot...
I also used a joytick, probably still the best joystick ever made : MS sidewinder 3dpro. It was pretty awesome especcialy for descent games, allowing triple chording, quick sliding, changing weapons etc...It was the perfect joystick, and by perfect I must admit, it was perfect for me beacuse im LEFT hander.
I quit playing D games when my joystick broke. Beacuse descent with no joystick = just wasn`t the same. Not even in skill play, mouse was just obsolete. By the time my joystick broke, there was no chance to buy a new 3d pro joystick. MS simply didnt make them anymore. There was a new sid 3dpro improved model, but only for RIGHT hand. Why they went from unique design for both hands to design only for righthanders, beats me.
Now, with new era of Descent game(s) incoming, I got that "itchy" feeling about dogfights and stuff, but then it hitted me - no good joystick for left hander - no playing descent for me. And im sure those lefthanders b+++ing about joysticks, which are plenty, but made only for RIGHT handers. Talking about discrimination
So I did a little research and found 2 joysticks which would be pretty close to the functionality of MS sidewinder 3d pro, support left hand, and MAYBE just maybe one of them could be even better:
1. Saitek EVO wireless
http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/evowireless.htm
Maybe not the best for pro play beacuse of wireless technology (hey, im shooting this from my a+s, but I ve heard pro players only use wired stuff, like quake pro players and CS...)
As you can see, it has it all: 4point hat button, rudder control ( stick turning via y axis), and many buttons on reach instantly (to change weapons and stuff). MOST important thing - it is adjustable for left or right hand.
2. Thrustmaster T.16000M
http://www.thrustmaster.com/products.aspx?CategoryID=1&PlatformID=5
Absolutely brilliant I would say! (altrough never tryed it yet ) It uses some new precise techology for maximum resolution ( we sure need this for descent, its pro game anyway) , it also offer customizable stick to make it left or right handed, and has naturally button EXACTLY where they should be- always on quick reach by some free finger . It has all the axis needed, just like sidewinder 3d pro. For this model, altrough it looks more "cheap" than good old robust sidewinder 3d pro, I might personally consider this one even better than 3d pro, or at least very close to the 3d pro.
Both joysticks seem to use the system, where you can customize for left or right hand with 3 plastic pieces, which you then adjust for your hand.
Personally I aim for t.16000M, and might get it for D4 if ever comes out!
Off course, you might be a mouse owner anyway, and I wish you good luck in that haha
Anyway, thatnks for reading, my english is not state-of-the-art, and I hope you guys got some info on this wall of text and actually find it usefull.