Using parallel port (printer cable?) to put a couple of patched roms (if you could get them, google wasn't as good in finding roms back then) on my 256mbit card was totally "good enough"! When a new game came out you would have to wait a couple of days/weeks for the software to be updated (i was definitely a regular at ezflash.cn). We are spoiled nowadays
For the poll: I'd go for the omega, better pricepoint. I had a ezflash V die on me but the rest are still going strong (had to change a couple of batteries btw).