Need Help on HDD Buying

[Geoduck]

I decided to get a HDD for my PS2 (thanks Tyler!); problem is, I don't know the first thing about PS2 HDD's.

1) First off, which brand should I get as far as reliability and affordability is concerned?

I checked the HDD chompatibility chart, and the only ones that are compatible for a V7 are maxtor, MDT, and Western Digital. I know I'm setting myself up to look stupid, but are these mentioned harddisk drives different from the ones in a PC (like I said, I know next to nothing)?

2) BTW, what's th average price for one of these?

3) Secondly, I heard you need a software (HDLoader--again, thanks Tyler! ) to install the HDD. Does it come with the HDD, or sold seperately? Can I get it at the same place I buy the HDD?

4) Most importantly, can anyone get me a link on a step-by-step installation guide for setting up the HDD? I don't trust my common sense enough around a Lego set

Thanks in advance! If this weren't virtual space, I'd buy you all a round of whisky for this barrage of questions.