HELP: how do I know what version of PSP to buy?

[vaan]

I have to buy a psp for my son's birthday (which is today). The guy that moded my last psp said that he couldn't mod the new psp I just bought . He said it was because it was a newer model. So, I have to return that one and get an older, modable model. How do I tell if the psp is the newer model or not? Someone told me to see if the speakers were up top or at the bottom? Please help....Thanks in advance.

[psp[26]]

At the bottom of PSP, there are some sort of serial number.
If its say 'PSP2000' at the end of the number then that's one of the older models (slim) that could be moded.

[Kiss Of Death]

Hi Vanessa, you need to look at the barcode on the side of the box

Where it says "A" on the pic above you need to have any one on the following codes:

A = 1.5 confirmed
B = 1.51 confirmed
C = 1.52 confirmed
D = 1.52 confirmed
E = 1.52 confirmed
F = 2.0 confirmed
G = 2.01 confirmed
H = 2.50 confirmed
I = 2.60 confirmed
J = 2.70 unconfirmed
K = 2.71 confirmed
L = 2.81 confirmed
M = 3.01 confirmed
N = 3.03 confirmed
O = 3.10 confirmed
P = 3.11 confirmed
Q = 3.30 unconfirmed
R = 3.40 confirmed
S = 3.50 confirmed
T = 3.51 confirmed

NP = 3.60 (PSP Slim & Lite Release) confirmed
NP A = 3.71 confirmed
i can't find any newer codes so i'm not sure what the latest code is but i know all of the above codes work

[Ostinato]

(Moved to PSP Help)

Definitive buying guide below....although you'll be lucky to get a brand new PSP which is hackable.

PSP-2000/3000 Purchasing Information (Box Codes, etc.)(UPDATED 11/10/08)
PSP-2000 MODEL WITH THE TA-88v3 MOTHERBOARD IS NOT DOWNGRADABLE AT THIS TIME!
PSP-3000 MODEL IS NOT DOWNGRADABLE AT THIS TIME!

Limited Edition & New Boxstyle:

Daxter Limited Edition Pack (TA-85v2/3.80 OFW)(CONFIRMED)
God of War Limited Edition Pack (TA-88v2/3.95 OFW)(CONFIRMED)
Madden 09 Limited Edition Pack (TA-88v2/3.95 OFW & TA-88v3/4.01 OFW)(CONFIRMED)
Piano Black with the New Box Style (TA-88v3)(UNCONFIRMED)
Piano Black (Amazon.com)(TA-88v3)(PARTIALLY CONFIRMED)

PSP-2000 Original Boxstyle Box Codes (Thanks to Alek @ Dark-AleX.org):
(No Letter) = 3.60
A = 3.71
B = UNKNOWN
C = 3.72
D = UNKNOWN
E = 3.80
F = 3.90
G = 3.95 / 4.01 (TA-88v2 / TA-88v3)
A PSP with G and the 4.01 firmware is most likely a TA-88v3 motherboard, so it is advised that you stay away from them.

PSP-2000 Motherboard Information:
TA-85 (Can use and make Pandora Battery)
TA-85v2 (Can use, but cannot make Pandora Battery)
TA-88v2 (Can use, but cannot make Pandora Battery)
TA-88v3 (Cannot use or make Pandora Battery)

The PSP with the speakers at the bottom is the Phat model (PSP 1000) which is fully moddable....the odd's on getting one of those new and boxed is zero.