Advice Welcome

[waynemcbain]

Hello forum!

So I've decided to finally mod my PS2. I've modded ~40 M$ xbox systems (which are easy as hell, even in the early days).

Here's the details:
-I've identified my PS2 as a V9
-I want to go HDD, so I've ordered a DMS4 Pro SE
-I'm obviously going to use Toxic OS
-I want to shove the largest HDD I can fit in there (Barricuda 750 GB anyone? j/k 300GB probably)

Okay so here's where I have questions:

First, from what I understand, only certain hard drives are compatible with the PS2. I used to play FFXI on my PS2 so I've got the $ony package with the network adapter and HDD in there right now. I figure I can wait on figuring out which HDD to get, and just use the existing one when the chip comes in.
When compatability is in question, what sort of issues will I most likely encounter (aside from size/fit)?

Second, I understand there is some sort of Romeo mod for the V9's. I've honestly used my PS2 quite rarely since I got into the xbox thing, and most of the time it was FFXI which ran off the HDD anyhow. I'm pretty sure my laser is as good as new, so would applying the romeo mod be a good idea?

Third, I know the homebrew scene for PS2 is inferior comparitavely to Xbox, but when it comes to emulation (snes, Mame, nes, sega, atari) , I'd like just a brief heads up of the level of difficulty that I'll encounter. I'm not by any means a newb when it comes to the area, (5 GB of roms
Basically is it an install > run sort of thing? Or is it a pain in the ass (in which case I won't bother)

Thanks in advance! I did a lot of lurking on this forum over the past couple of days, and I hope my questions aren't too n00b.

[waynemcbain]

Please excuse my horrific spelling in the post. Apparently forums don't have integrated spell checkers.

EDIT: apparently I couldnt even spell that.

[urmele]

to be honest, the emulators for the xbox are mostly better than the ones for the ps2 and yes, it really is a pain in the ass to get all the emulators for the ps2 into working condition (and most of them didn't even have hdd support).
well, at least snes station does have it now (god thanks).

but still, you have a supperior tool to help you during your long journy:
"ULaunchELF"

install it first, otherwise you might get lost

[waynemcbain]

Ouch! No HDD support for EMU? Harsh. Well I can always boot up an xbox if I want to play some Mike Tyson's punchout.

Thanks for the reply! I'll probably get bored one day and try to install them anyhow... but at least now I know it's not going to be a walk in the park.

I'll start checking into UlaunchELF now too. Thanks for the advice.

Cheers

[fore1337]

-I want to shove the largest HDD I can fit in there (Barricuda 750 GB anyone? j/k 300GB probably)

Just an FYI, only a few brands of HDDs fit the Sony Network Adapter. I've had success with Hitachi and Maxtor.. but I remember a seagate not working out so well. (see sig.)

oh there is an awesome neogeo emulator on the PS2.