psx2 newbie but an old psx pro

[truecrimson]

I was making psx backups for years using an external pro action. Even helped some friends get going in it. I Just got a psx2 for christmas, and I am totally lost.

1) I can't figure out which version I have. ntsc model scph-39001 serial u8xxxxxx. does have shock warning on bottom, 8 screws. All of the mod retailer sites list it differently based on this information as either version 4,5,6 or 7.

2) don't really want to open it up, and solder. Is there a completely external solution yet? I don't mind swapping, I used to do it all the time with the old psx, but it seems to be more complicated, and I don't like the idea of prying off the tray face with a knife.

3)everyone seems to have different/conflictinginfo on their sites. Is there a good source for factual up to date info, other than here?