Well, the only thing that I would contradict is the 29 wire install, but if that is all you have access to then I guess nothing can be done. However, if you can only have access to homebrew chips, you can probably make the
cheapmod chip for cheaper (unless you are buying the homebrew). Also, is is only a 10 wire install, far more easier than the 29 since only 1 point would be considered hard.
As for Hdd's, I'd recommend Seagates. Seems that many people choose those.