QUOTE(Xalvin @ Nov 12 2008, 09:33 PM)
Hey I'm a complete noob to the ahem-ness for PSP.
Why are there so many versions for firmwares?
Is it safe to just buy one off the shelf?
I really want to fully use PSP for :
Games (ahem ahem)
Can play PS1 games (mainly FF7-9)
Videos (Downloaded videos like from youtube, movies, etc.)
Music (MP3)
Surfing Internet.
I'm just scared that the ahem versions of PSPs cannot do certain things.
Seems to me people update their firmwares, even though got risk of bricking.
Can I ask, why? Your previous versions functioned well right? Now you upgrade you get more problems like card can't read and such.
If you buy a psp 2000 unit in Malaysia(slim psp),you should be good to go.Make sure you ask the dealer if it has custom firmware on it.If it does not have custom firmware on it,don't buy it.
Sony update their versions all the time to keep up with the current technology,add features and to enhance their security.When sony update,so does Dark_AleX.That's why we see tons of custom and official firmwares out there.
If you manage to get a psp with custom firmware on it,everything that you mentioned,can be done.
If you get an official firmware psp,you can only use the last three wishes of yours

Custom firmware is illegal,but you do not need to name it "ahem" lah.
Custom firmware is actually an official firmware with MORE features,so you won't loose anything,unless stated so.
People update their psp to newer firmwares for better UMD support,to enjoy new features etc.