Gaming Noob PSP-Hacking Questions

[Makoto0729]

So, I have a couple questions. I'm considering getting a PSP, but due to limited funds (poor college student), only if the answers are what I hope...

First off, I've seen PSPs and PSP Gos at the store I work at, though I lack the authority to access the boxes. We only carry new systems, not used. Are new PSP-100x models still being made , or are they all now 200x or 300x (or Go)? As I understand it, 100x models are easiest to hack...

Second, I gather that after a certain firmware number is installed (5.0.3, I think?), PSPs are unhackable. Is this true, or is there a method I haven't found yet?

Third, how recent a firmware do new PSPs tend to have? Would one bought new at this point be likely to have an unhackable firmware, if it does exist?

Fourth, comparing it to hacking a 4.1 Wii, how much easier or more difficult would it be to hack? It seems confusing, but that may be simply because I don't have one myself yet....

Fifth, is custom hardware required, like this "Pandora's Battery" I read about, or is it totally softmoddable?

Finally, what is the probability of bricking your PSP while hacking it?

Thanks for your time and answers in advance... It's much appreciated.

 

[murkurie]

So, I have a couple questions. I'm considering getting a PSP, but due to limited funds (poor college student), only if the answers are what I hope...

First off, I've seen PSPs and PSP Gos at the store I work at, though I lack the authority to access the boxes. We only carry new systems, not used. Are new PSP-100x models still being made , or are they all now 200x or 300x (or Go)? As I understand it, 100x models are easiest to hack...

Second, I gather that after a certain firmware number is installed (5.0.3, I think?), PSPs are unhackable. Is this true, or is there a method I haven't found yet?

Third, how recent a firmware do new PSPs tend to have? Would one bought new at this point be likely to have an unhackable firmware, if it does exist?

Fourth, comparing it to hacking a 4.1 Wii, how much easier or more difficult would it be to hack? It seems confusing, but that may be simply because I don't have one myself yet....

Fifth, is custom hardware required, like this "Pandora's Battery" I read about, or is it totally softmoddable?

Finally, what is the probability of bricking your PSP while hacking it?

Thanks for your time and answers in advance... It's much appreciated.

They don't make 100X anymore, you can use HBL to load homebrew on any PSP, 6.20 or lower, and soon to be any firmware. but NO pirating with HBL

After a certain firmware they are unhackable unless you use pandora battery

I made my own pandora battery, and then unmade a pandora battery, there directions on the internet, you just need a really steady hand, and luck
Pandora battery, basically puts the hardware in service mode, so you load a new firmware on it, usually 5.03 m33 or something like that

I think it's harder compared to a wii

umm, I believe bricking chances are high,

 

[cracker]

A hard-modded battery isn't that easy for most... I was very careful to not puncture the inside of the battery, yet I did. Smoke poured out and it took about 5 seconds for me to throw it outside.

For the OP: If the PSP you get is < 6.10 then you can use the ChickHEN exploit to launch the CFW exploit. Otherwise get a 'PSP Tool' that is sold on various stores (is really a Pandora Battery).

 

[Jolan]

Second, I gather that after a certain firmware number is installed (5.0.3, I think?), PSPs are unhackable. Is this true, or is there a method I haven't found yet? - Yup, 5.03 is the limit for the new 2k and 3k PSPs, or else they can't be hacked completely, only allowing the use of homebrew through the HalfByte Loader, which is the GO's only option.

Third, how recent a firmware do new PSPs tend to have? Would one bought new at this point be likely to have an unhackable firmware, if it does exist? - 99% chance of buying a new one that's unhackable

Fourth, comparing it to hacking a 4.1 Wii, how much easier or more difficult would it be to hack? It seems confusing, but that may be simply because I don't have one myself yet.... - Ehm, not sure, I've read into 4.2 hacking and it seems to be on par with hacking a 1k/2k via ChickHEN and then Hellcat's Recovery Flasher.

Fifth, is custom hardware required, like this "Pandora's Battery" I read about, or is it totally softmoddable? - Depends on the software. If 5.03 or less, update to 5.03, run ChickHen, run either CFW enabler (3k/new 2k) or run a flasher for permanent CFW (1k/old 2k)
Finally, what is the probability of bricking your PSP while hacking it? - Slim to none if you know what you're doing.