  After some months of contemplating as to whether to purchase a playstation, i finally went for it.
And it cost me RM935, with my machine purchased from a shop in Sungei Wang. Now guys, although my tertiary educational background is in social sciences, i still remain a big fan of pure science (READ: GEEK) i know my chips, diodes, transistors, haha and what nots! Needless to say, i am also very technical when it comes to purchasing electronic items. SO, without further a due, PS2 Buying Tips 1.
Model no. - SCPH5000X - 5 series might have instabilities (optical lens issue, ask for the latest firmware) - PS2 latest versions:- Version 9 - if you have SCPH-50000, 50001, 50002, 50003, 50004, 50006, or 50007 you have a v9 or v10 board. Version 10 - SCPH-5000x, with date code "3D" to the right and below the serial number on the back of the console.
(GH-026 board) Difference for SCPH-50000, 50001, 50002, 50003, 50004, 50006, or 50007:- SCPH50000 - Japanese SCPH50001 - Region 1 DVD - US, Canada SCPH50002 - Region 2 DVD - Aus, NZ, SCPH50003 - Region 3 DVD - UK, Europe SCPH50006 - The Asian Version (also the one with the poorest Quality Control) So as long as your version is SCPH5000X, then it is the latest version. You just need to make sure your mod chip is good. 2. Modchip - Messiah 3.2 : DVD movie- reset, turn on & hold power button few secs, I know some shops still mod SCPH5000X version with Messiah 1 and 2. (They just charge you like RM600 bucks) It is better if you can get Messiah 3.2 mod chip on your SCPH5000X. For me, I got Messiah 3.2. It can both play all the games (DVD5 and 9), watch DVD (DVD 5 and 9) movies, play CD Audio and play PS1 games.
The only difference is that Messiah 3.2 is more expensive.
3.
DVD Games/movie playback - always go for direct boot - test with DVD games single/dual layer (GT Concept:geneva, MGS2:substance), DVD movie 5/9, MP3, DivX movie, 4. Original PS2 joysticks - Look at the printed lines on the cable, they should have a very fine print. - Feel the analog joystick, it should be loose and stretchy - the colours of the action keys are dim, not shiny and does not fade even after you slide your fingers roughly through it.
5. Power Supply - Depending on the type of machine you choose, 110V(US) or 240V (UK, Malaysia) - PAL/NTSC - different power supply, need power adapter ( stepdown regulator or even stepup) 6. Memory cards - Black 8M with Magic Gate, manufacturing code behind, in plastic case 7. Free DVD games - usually comes with 12 free dvd games ( Usually, the freebies at the shop are old games, so you have a better bet buying them by yourself, RM4 for D5 games, RM8 otherwise) 8.
PS2s should be placed vertical, and not horizontal as it is easier for the lens to read the optical discs, as such, should the budget permit, buy a vertical support stand. 9. PS2s can play DVDs, but only do it occasionally, as it will ensure longer lasting lens. The reasoning is simple, when you play games, your lens will only read the disc while you progress to the next stage, while playing a dvd, the lens is working 100% for 2 hours. You do the math :) 
