So, here's the deal.  I'm thinking of buying a Sony portable, but I'm not sure what I should get.  I currently own a 3DS and am super happy with it, it's a great system and it small enough to actually carry around with me.  This is important since I usually am also carrying my nook color and cell phone, so I don't want anything bulky. 

The main reason I want this new device is to play PS1 classics and some games I missed out on on the PSP.   I've been wanting to replay FF7 (I haven't since the PS1 days) and my PS3 is down stairs, and it would be nice to carry it around with me and play it in bed.  I'm a big fan of digital distribution and plan on buying most of my games that way, but I don't mind have a system that can play physical media, especially if I can get a good deal on things.

I'm thinking the PSP Go might be the way to go, but I thought maybe people with more experience with these devices could give me some input.  I don't mind buying used off ebay or craigslist, if I get a regular PSP is the 3000 the best way to go or are earlier models still decent?  I am still some what considering a Vita, but the battery life is a bit of a turn off (I have a power grip on my 3DS and it works fine, can you swap out to battery or buy an external device for the Vita?) and there really aren't many games on it I honestly care about.  The price is also somewhat of an issue, I can afford it but I don't feel like spending that much for Gravity Rush and a Metal Gear collection.

Thoughts?  Suggestions?

If you're not interested in any current/upcoming Vita games, then disregard that I guess. But it's a good investment for the future IF they get PS1 classics working and get the full library of PSP games on there, which I'm not sure they will.

If you want a fully-featured PSP, I'd recommend the 3000. From what people tell me, it's the best of the proper models, an improvement over 2000 etc. It'll still play UMD's (which you can pick up for peanuts these days) and PS1 classics, which is all you say you wanted.

I'd consider getting an E-1000 as well though. That's the model I'm thinking of getting. I'm told it's a bit smaller & lighter and the display is better. It plays UMD's and PS1 classics, but you'll need a PS3 to hook it up to to download anything, because it doesn't have wi-fi. Which might be a turn off for you if you wanted to play any of the games online as well (I'm not sure whether people still play PSP games online or not)

So yeah, it just comes down to personal preference and what you want to play:

Vita - Vita & some downloadable PSP games currently, have to wait a while for PS1 classics.

3000 - UMD & downloadable PSP games, PS1 classics, online gaming.

E-1000 - UMD & downloadable PSP games, PS1 classics, no online & helps having access to a PS3.

More PSP and PSOne classics is coming to PS Vita in August.

Vita

- Run PSP games.
- Run PSN Classics (soon).
- Run PSVita games.
- Crossplay with PS3.

There is only advantages.

Strictly from what you described, the PSP Go is what you want. The Vita is not as portable, can NOT play PS1 games to this day and has a rather poor battery life. The PSP Go can play the PS1 games you want, is way cheaper and way more portable. The battery is still poor though. The PS Vita on the other hand is future proof, somewhat, I guess :P

Edit: Also, going full digital with the Vita is very costly. I said it a thousand times already, but Sonys strategy of throwing gigabytes at you and selling memory cards for ridiculous prices is like when you are playing theme park and you turn up the salt on your french fries to sell more 20$ Cola.

Definitely get a Vita.
-PSP won't be getting the newest games so you will be cutting yourself off if you go psp.
-Vita has the same access to psp titles as the psp go with the ability to use Vita game cartridges.
-Vita will be getting a PS1 emulator this summer.
-The games look great on it with plenty of PS3 ports you will be able to get on Vita cheaper than on PS3 while still being able to play cross platform for games like PS all stars.
-Vita has apps like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc.
-Vita has a better Internet browser than PSP, better design as well.
-Vita will be getting PS Mobile, imagine having the Android market on Vita, kind of like that.

Oh yeah, there is a vita nyko power grip that I hear good things about. 11 hour battery life or so. Only problems are you have to charge it separately for efficiency and take it off to change physical games.

Vita has or will soon have the best PSP games, so there is no reason to buy a PSP. I would say wait until fall as there may be a price cut.

If you're not interested in Vita games then get the PSP 3000, it's only 130$ and it already has PS1 classics support. Plus a huge library of games. Though I would recommend getting the Vita for future potential.

PSV:

-PSP (and I assume PSX) games look much better.
-The battery lasts much longer on PSV when you play PSP games.
-More future proof (future releases, etc.)

But I'd suggest waiting for a possible cut this holiday season.