(Noob Alert) Some questions about the True Blue dongle and competing dongles

[LKJHGFDSA]

Hi guys, I've got some questions about these dongles, I'm considering buying one but I need more info first.
I've done some searches and read the FAQ, but still want some more information. Please be patient of my ignorance.

Alright, so, where can I buy true blue dongles? The official site lists no distributors and I saw the "true-blue-game-thread" lists 2 sites but is that it?

What's the deal with the clone dongles? I've heard of a 'JB2' dongle, is there any other clones?
And what difference is there between the clones and the official one?
I understand trueblue make the patches so it's good to support them, and that new firmware versions need to be converted for the JB2 dongle before you can use it. But what else?

What downsides are there to using the True Blue? I've heard you need to have a special CFW? Does the CFW function fully as others would? Is it optional?
I've heard when you have the special CFW installed it slows down your console, is this true? and if so, is it avoidable?
Also, are there any other noticeable differences in the special CFW? (Such as different boot screen, different icons, etc.) Are they avoidable?

What prices should I expect for these dongles? I've seen they seem to cost around $70, that seems like alot to me. What are the cheapest ones?

How are games cracked? I'd like to be able to contribute and or crack my own new games, do we have to just wait for the official TB team to crack them?

Is the compatibility with games the same for burnt blu-ray discs & HDD loaded games?

How often are patches released? How is it decided when they are released?

Can we use cracked 3.55+ games with update patches using the dongle?

Can we run <3.55 games with 3.55+ update patches using the dongle?

If you guys have any other info you think I should know, good ahead.


Thanks heaps.

[bitsbubba]

Alright, so, where can I buy true blue dongles? The official site lists no distributors and I saw the "true-blue-game-thread" lists 2 sites but is that it?

ModChipCentral would be the best IMHO

What's the deal with the clone dongles? I've heard of a 'JB2' dongle, is there any other clones?
And what difference is there between the clones and the official one?
I understand trueblue make the patches so it's good to support them, and that new firmware versions need to be converted for the JB2 dongle before you can use it. But what else?

JB-King is the one that's pretty much up to date (and watch out for) because TB has anti-clone code in the new patches and could cause you alot of trouble

JB-King is the one that's pretty much up to date (and watch out for) because TB has anti-clone code in the new patches and could cause you alot of trouble
What downsides are there to using the True Blue? I've heard you need to have a special CFW? Does the CFW function fully as others would? Is it optional?
I've heard when you have the special CFW installed it slows down your console, is this true? and if so, is it avoidable?
Also, are there any other noticeable differences in the special CFW? (Such as different boot screen, different icons, etc.) Are they avoidable?

not optional, the only difference from regular CFW is it requires the dongle and takes about half a minute longer to boot up

What prices should I expect for these dongles? I've seen they seem to cost around $70, that seems like alot to me. What are the cheapest ones?

might be a little over depending what you want to pay for shipping

How are games cracked? I'd like to be able to contribute and or crack my own new games, do we have to just wait for the official TB team to crack them?

TB team cracks the EBOOTs & you backup your original then just add the patch

Is the compatibility with games the same for burnt blu-ray discs & HDD loaded games?

yes

Can we use cracked 3.55+ games with update patches using the dongle?

only Skyrim update patch was released so far

Can we run <3.55 games with 3.55+ update patches using the dongle?

not unless TB releases them

[gtbliss]

hi i brought true blue a month ago from lightake dotcom $57 and it took 3 weeks to aust
i was on rebug v2 fw changed to true blue fw v2 and the differences i have found is minimal
now i can play over 100 games i couldnt play b4 with basically same usage as b4 including themes
and reactpsn, i would pay extra for true blue it is great and no waiting for patches and no
chance of deleting hd i would stay away from clones and $ 57 is not much to pay for 100 games
and all new releases. do yourself a favor and get a true blue u will love it and games are excellent

[digipimp75]

I agree with all answers above, especially regarding the clones. It's best to stay away from them. In fact, many believe that the clones are responsible for the current lag in eboot patch releases from the true blue team. Without going into too much background on it, let's just say that true blue is trying to employ new security measures to stop the clones, hence the delays. But, there are still MANY games that have been patched to work with true blue that were not accessible on 3.55 fw (100+) Sure you may pay extra for the real true blue, but it's worth it! Just think of it this way... the full price of a real true blue is about the cost of a new game release (possibly more depending on where you order and how much shipping will be). Believe me it's well worth the investment. Okay sorry this post sounds like a sales pitch lol. I don't work for them... just a very happy customer here

FYI - I ordered from modchipcentral and it only took about 3-4 days to deliver to U.S. Lightake takes weeks, from what I hear.

[bitsbubba]

Lightake takes weeks, from what I hear.

3 weeks or longer

[LKJHGFDSA]

OK guys, sounds good.
I've got some spare money so I'll definitely go with the official TB.
Looks like Modchip Central want to charge me $50 extra for shipping so I'll go with Lightake.

Thanks heaps for the advice.