CDU/FMC for Generic Jet Aircraft? (Swiss Army Hardware)

[MTMamlok]

Hey everybody. I'm just getting started on the build road, and I want to get a CDU/FMC as my first cockpit purchase. However, I like an extremely varied flight profile. To date, the big steel I fly in FSX are: (In no particular order)

CapSim 707, 727, 757, 767, C-130
FeelThere ERJ135, 145, E175, E195
PMDG Jetstream 41, 737NGX, 747-400

What I'm wondering is, if I wanted to purchase a well-made, easy to use CDU, that maybe would work with the majority of the above aircraft, which Aircraft model should I look at getting the CDU for, and/or what CDU hardware should I get? If there's a little config headache when switching A/C, that's fine, but I don't want to buy 7 different CDU's (obviously).

Thanks everyone!

Mike

[Aaron]

Consider the CDU like a monitor and keyboard (this is really what they are). Most CDU are made for cockpits builders, wich mostly use third avionics software like Project Magenta, Sim Avionics, ProSim, etc.

Mostly are compatible with that kind of software. But in order to *operate* wich every add-on aircraft, things are different. You need to research in the support pages of every manufacturer (addon and hardware) to know if there is the right driver for the specific addon. Even if there is not offical compatibility you can try to get use via keyboard to mouse programming and that kind of thing, but as you say, this could be a heavy headache.

[lipq2009]

I think only VRi CDU or CDUII can be good for you.

[dukabr]

Use IPAD + MaxiVista
You can drag fmc to ipad and use ! Just touch screen!
Its not the best but you can use all aircraft ! No problem, no conflict, no setup..!
You can put a Radar WX in ipad!

[MTMamlok]

All suggestions are great: I have an iPad, but I'm looking for a hardware, "Control by Feel" approach. Any reccomendations?

Also, I'm already ordering a USB monitor. Any solution doesn't have to have a screen (Like the VRInsight) but I'm almost afraid to plonk down for the CDU I if it doesn't work with the NG, or the 744... Any thoughts there?