I'm still trying to understand the matrix (I'm playing an infiltration/combat type now) and was looking at the differences between AR and VR for a hacker adept (not TM's). Please tell me if I'm missing something about the trade-offs.

VR
Benefits
+2 dice to all tests
Cold sim: Matrix Initiative is Response + Intuition with 2 passes
Hot sim: Matrix Initiative is Response + Intuition + 1 with 3 passes

Penalties
You may be affected by Black Hammer and Blackout, both for damage and preventing you from logging off
Need Biofeedback filter
You suffer dumpshock if kicked off the matrix
You may only effectively interact with the matrix and not the real world (-6 dice)

AR
Benefits
Use meat initiative and passes
Unaffected by Black Hammer and Blackout
Don't suffer dumpshock
Can interact with physical world without penalty
Do not need Biofeedback filter

Penalties
Do not get the +2 dice for VR

So considering that you can be just as fast out of the box in terms of initiative (8 Reaction, 5 Intuition, 3 Passes v. 6 Response, 6 Intuition, +1, 3 Passes), it seems that you are trading 2 dice for physical safety and utility. Is that about it? Is there anything else you can't do from AR that you can from VR (Other than perhaps the Reality Filter program)? It seems like it may be worthwhile, with the right build, to use AR as your primary connection mode, and save VR for safer efforts like Data Searches.

Actually, you can get 4 AR passes out of the box by using Wired 3, Improved Reflexes 3, or a Force 3 Increases Reflexes spell.

True, but I was aiming for a reasonably balanced character, especially considering that it's an adept and so needs somewhat essence-friendly solutions, and that self-buffing means more skill points pulled from other skills to get to casting and for the foci (get to 4 passes by using edge up front on the casting, right, as you are limited in successes by the force and capped by rating 3 sustaining focus otherwise?). But sure you can, even starting out, be much faster and have more passes in AR than VR. Is that worth it compared to the +2 dice all the time? And is there anything that I missed?

just a couple of other things to note:

1) the +2 dice from VR are hotsim only. similarly, you only worry about physical damage from IC if you are in hotsim. cold VR you only worry about stun and don't get the 2 dice

2) you get a couple of other benefits as well. if you like to rig stuff, then in hotsim VR your vehicle tests have a threshold 1 lower. for certain matrix tasks, the time for an interval goes way down (probing the target, for example).

3) needing biofeedback filter isn't much of a disadvantage. let's face it, with the program costs the way they are pretty much any non-TM hacker is gonna have every program anyways. and you only need the biofeedback filter when you're actually facing black IC anyways.

basically, what it comes down to is this: is it worth the essence (and accompanying magic loss) for the benefits of AR with multiple IPs? possibly. depends how much hacking you plan on doing while interacting with the real world at the same time. if you're an on-site decker (and it kinda sounds like you are) then using AR would be worth it, as a general rule. if you hack from afar, then VR should be just fine.

Also, extended matrix tests take a shorter amount of time in VR than AR.

Don't forget that your GM might use the optional rule where you can Geas your adept powers for a points rebate. I've written up a hacker adept who geased all his powers to "while using AR without a simlink." That was overly specific, but I likes teh Idea that his magic only worked when he was using the sense by sense interfaces. Anyway, that geas is like getting yourself 1.5PP extra, so long as you can think of an appropriate geas for your character.

Also, if you are going hacker adept, you MUST take multitasking. The ablity to perceive in detail as a free action is invaluable on the matrix, and those extra free actions when not in cyber-combat are useful as well. It's only .5 points, and it's worth way more than 2 extra dice on tests.

Thank you for the feedback. I was looking at an on-site decker, and I had been looking at Multi-tasking, +1 Hacking, +1 Perception for the power point that remained after buying cyber at character gen.

Multitasking is a great power, especially for a tech-savy adept. I am so taking it for my infiltrator, so he can listen to different sound filters and pictures from surveillance equipment he planted, simultaneously.

Well, here's the million nuyen question: Does improved ability (hacking) work when you are in full VR?

The question really comes down to this: the rules state that no magic works in the matrix. Does using an adept power count? You use the adept power on yourself, but you are on the matrix: tricky question. It's kinda a GM tossup.

But if adept powers do not work on the matrix, it's a question of free +2 initiative passes and +2 dice, or a half dozen points of adept powers to do the same thing in AR. If they DO work in VR, then you just get the improved ability and go at it.

Like I said, I avioded the question purposefully by having my Geasa be that his powers only worked in AR. Mostly because I liked the flavor of an all AR hacker.

Remember though, that a F3 sustaining focus is the best you can get at Chargen.