Brand new to this sort of thing

[KuroShinsei]

So as of right now I don't even own a PS3. I'm considering purchasing one based on the feedback I get from here. I have a softmodded PS2, free mc boot, etc. I don't want to get a PS3 if I can't play usb or hdd backups. That being said, after searching diligently I've noticed a lot of people talking about original firmware version, having to downgrade, possibly needing to solder etc. I imagine any PS3 I buy at this point in time is going to have a firmware version above 3.55, so right now I'm trying to find out what is the easiest way to know which PS3 I should buy. I can only assume serial numbers. I've seen the tutorial that was posted on here about the different versions and which firmware they were released with, etc.

My concerns. I absolutely cannot solder for the life of me. What do I need to look for in order to do the downgrade needed to jailbreak my PS3 without the need of soldering?

Any and all help is appreciated. Thank you.

PS. sorry if this is posted somewhere else, I have tried looking for a while and have turned up nothing.

[indirect76]

Ebay. Ask the seller a question. Explain how to find to the firmware version info in the menu (You may have to look this up because you don't have a PS3). Ask several (10+) sellers. You will find one easy.

Edit: Also there is this - http://psx-scene.com/forums/buy-sell-trade/