Ps2 versions
 

Still a newb: is one version of the ps2 better than the other? I am getting the messiah 2 pro.

What do the different versions accomplish?

Yeah.... The different versions are just like anything else. The longer a product is out, the more improvements are made.
If you had a V1, the V7 would be better because of the improvements that were made between the two...

i'm planning to buy new ps2 at bestbuy, the model is 97001. How do i know if this model is Version 7??? Will this newest model work with Magic 3?

yes, the magic 3 will work with your PS2. It works for all versions v1-v7. old and new. hope that helps.