Choosing a PSP according to motherboard was the good old days when there are some mobos particularly those TA-082 (IIRC) which does not allow flashing to custom firmware. Nowadays, all of them already support custom firmwares..

The difference between buying from Sony and Dealers :

- Buying from Sony allows you to have a 1 year warranty directly from Sony themselves. However, flashing it to custom firmware will void the warranty. Buying from dealers only entitled you to their personal 1 year warranty.

- Buying from Sony is way more expensive than buying from local dealers. Besides, they dont come with custom firmware preinstalled (If u need them)

- Buying from Sony give u a sense of security as you know you are getting original stuff from them. Buying from local dealers might be dangerous in the sense where you may end up with fake accesories or even reconditioned sets...