Best PS2? and Best PS2 Chip?

[Sandman78]

Hello All, I need to pick your brains for some info. If you were to have your choice of which PS2 Version to buy which one would it be? Also, will a BRAND new PS2 work alright?

2nd Question- Which Modchip would be the best for the Version you picked in the first question?

Getting ready to buy and wanted your opinions.
Totally new to the PS2 backups. Well,,, no Im not, but there are much better mods and methods available now compared to when I last did it.

THANKS!

Sandman