PS2 crash course

[jasonfinal]

I'm going to Malaysia in a weeks time. Now I'm thinking of getting a PS2, but know very litttle about them. So I was hoping someone here might give me some quick answers.

What PS2 version should I look for? And which modchip?

Are PS2 games DVD or CDs? Can I backup the games using a CD-ROM and CD-RW?

Once the PS2 is modded does that mean it can play NTSC and Pal games?

Lastly, should I consider getting the XBOX - but only if in the near future the games can be backup? Any opinions here?

Cheers