I'll answer what I can at the moment (Have to leave soon).
1) Any brand HDD will suffice. That being, your best bets would be Maxtor and Seagate. Western Digital HDD work, but they don't fit with the PS2 Network Adapter and need some modifications done to it. You can get any size HDD (The more the better). These HDD are the same ones used in PCs. Just remember that if you get one over 120 or 140 gb, then you need to patch the HDL Elf file (48 bit LBA) (More on that later or if someone cares to explain
).
2) I don't really know the average price. Most are about 100 or so (US) for about a 150 gb or so HDD. I got mine for $130 off of eBay. (200 gb Seagate)
3) You need to
BUY HDLoader to run games off the HDD. Just
don't get HDAdvance. If there's one thing you learn, is not to buy that crap. Ask me for help if you need or Tyler or any other member for help....just don't turn to HDA.
You won't be able to find HDL in stores (at least in retail stores, you'll have to turn to online shops if you want to buy it).
4) Setting up the HDD is a matter of seconds. Get your Network Adapter (NA) and put the HDD on the NA. The molex pins and IDE pins should line up with the NA (Except if you get Western Digital, then you might run into problems.)
Check out the HDL review, it provides some insight to HDL and gives some idea to what is going on. I'll post more info if need be later on. Hope this helps a bit! (Currently running 3/4 of my PS2 games on my HDD! Ran out of space though....
. Can't wait for MGS3!!)
PS: It's definitely worth it to get the HDD! No more fiddling with DVDs and such! Except the few that aren't supported.
Edited by bighap: You know better than to recommend that gtapex