Joystick gamepad questions

OK, my new PC doesn’t have a spot for me to plug in my old SW Precision. I like that old joystick a lot though. Can I just get a USB adapter, even though it wasn’t made for USB? Or do I need to go some other route? I don’t really play a lot of sim type games, so I mainly want to play SHMUPS (though I still have a copy of Independence War 2 I have never played). Should I just get a gamepad?

In either case, assuming my joystick no longer works, what would you recommend for someone who just needs a casual joystick or gamepad? It can be cheap as long as it is somewhat comfy.

This.

Otherwise, I recommend just buying either a Gamecube or XBox controller and adapter. Both are wayyyyy better than any native PC gamepad.

Yes.

Should I just get a gamepad?

For shmups? Most definately.

In either case, assuming my joystick no longer works, what would you recommend for someone who just needs a casual joystick or gamepad? It can be cheap as long as it is somewhat comfy.

Have a PS2 or XBox controller laying around? Try this or this. I have both, and they work just great, and probably better than any PC gamepad IMO.

Whoah, weird echo in here.

I have bought from these guys before so I can reccomend them.
http://shop.system-mods.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=122

buy 2 they are 4 bucks each. Decent shipping too.