jbeam

Bumping because I am having the same exact issue as the OP. The F11 workaround works, but I was wondering if anyone knows of a permanent solution. ATI 5700 1 GB 10.6 drivers

+1 on the "smooth" setting -- it works much better for me than the default profile. The top of my monitor is also higher than the top of my head, and I've found that tilting the TrackIR slightly downward seems to help, particularly for keeping the reflectors in the camera's field of view when looking down at the shkval/ABRIS.

If you're on a tight budget, the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS is a good option: http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-X/dp/B001CXYMFS I recently got it, after picking up BS, and am happy with it so far. It seems well built (particularly given the low price) and gives you enough buttons to get by (although you will need to use the keyboard more than someone with an X52).