Which Version PS2 ?

[stillcool]

Today I broke my 30003 Playstation chipping it with a Apple 3 chip (I pulled off a contact on the underside of the board). So basically I am starting from scratch again with no PS2 but more games & accessories than you can shake a tree at!

Q: Which machine would be best for me as I've heard talk of the older v1 to v4 models and v9 & v10 all having problems of some kind or other. Some models I've heard can use DVD RW's or even CD RW's which models are these?

Q: Is there anywhere in the UK I can buy a second hand PS2 pre-chipped or will it be a new one in Satin from playstationservices for £215 with a Messiah 2 all in ?

Q: Is my 30003 salvagable as it seemed quite ill before I put in the back of a cupboard and then the back of my mind! - with no chip and all wires removed it just stayed on a black screen and then a testcard 15 seconds later with the cd tray out and refusing to go back in!

Please help me chaps - I'm desperate