Confused on PS3 scene info-overload and running original disks

[Cyber Akuma]

My PS3 is still at 3.15.

I have been following the PS3 scene since even before geohot's exploit, (granted, it was pretty damn quiet before then...) but with all the new hacks and revisions and whatnot coming out I am a bit lost at this point.

Is there any large table or FAQ available anywhere that tells me what hacks can do what, versions, and what they run on?

Is there any reason to use a pre-made "modchip" instead of just buying a USB Development Board and programming it myself? Sadly I don't have a TI-84 or any other device that is compatible other than a HTC Touch Pro which I can run XDAndroid on but I am pretty sure that port only works on 3.41, and doesn't support anything recent like hermes l3 payload, not even sure if it supports peek/poke.

Also, I remember reading that using any homebrew app will leave traces on your PS3 both on the HDD where the app installs itself and in some log where the PS3 lists everything you have run on it. I am still holding out hope that the scene will find a way to use PSN again on your PS3, and I don't want to risk having tell-tale signs on my PS3. The jailbreak itself doesn't leave any traces behind as long as you don't install anything right?

Finally, I have a used game that I got cheap a while ago, Trinity Universe (US version), that demands firmware 3.30. This is an original disk, not a backup. Is there any way currently for me to run this game on my 3.15 PS3 without leaving a trace that I used any homebrew/hacks to do so?

Thanks

[h0bbit]

Is there any large table or FAQ available anywhere that tells me what hacks can do what, versions, and what they run on?

No FAQ that I know of, with how fast things are changing and being updated its no wonder nobody has put forth effort to make one.

Is there any reason to use a pre-made "modchip" instead of just buying a USB Development Board and programming it myself? Sadly I don't have a TI-84 or any other device that is compatible other than a HTC Touch Pro which I can run XDAndroid on but I am pretty sure that port only works on 3.41, and doesn't support anything recent like hermes l3 payload, not even sure if it supports peek/poke.

No, its better to get a dev board. You can find them for around $20 still. The advantage is there is a possible need in the future for larger payloads than these pre-made mods can handle.

Also, I remember reading that using any homebrew app will leave traces on your PS3 both on the HDD where the app installs itself and in some log where the PS3 lists everything you have run on it. I am still holding out hope that the scene will find a way to use PSN again on your PS3, and I don't want to risk having tell-tale signs on my PS3. The jailbreak itself doesn't leave any traces behind as long as you don't install anything right?

There's always going to be risk of connecting to PSN on a machine that either has been JB'd, or currently is. You HAVE to install things on the PS3 to jailbreak it, so if your not willing to take that risk, buy a 2nd PS3.

Finally, I have a used game that I got cheap a while ago, Trinity Universe (US version), that demands firmware 3.30. This is an original disk, not a backup. Is there any way currently for me to run this game on my 3.15 PS3 without leaving a trace that I used any homebrew/hacks to do so?

I don't know on this one. Its possible you could rip the game to your HD on a JB'd PS3, and remove the forced patch. Sounds like a trial and error thing to me. Then again, you'll need to wait until you can JB your PS3 on your current firmware anyways.