So after years of being a stout DS user, I'm finally getting  a PSP in light of Crisis Core, Birth By Sleep, and a few other games.

 I'm curious: is it really worth it to buy the slim over the original? There are TONS of used originals in great condition (never really played, surprise surprise); I can get one for probably $70-80.

 The only REAL advantage (besides aesthetics) I see to the Slim is the 32 ram being upped to 64. Are there are any really good reasons I should pay 2x the amount for the slim? Or is it not worth it, and should I go with the cheaper original?

it has faster load times, skype on PSP, and a bunch of other features. And its slimmer and has a brighter screen.

If you don't mind the original then I'd say go for it.

The reason I really like the Slim one is because it is so light. But if you have a good deal, go for it.

Slim

The phat one has love handles. and it's so fat. and heavy. And the D-pad on the fatty is very mushy, and not tactile. And the slim and lites is the exact opposite. And the fat doesn't have USB charging or Data-caching for faster load times. Also, the fat is just plain ugly, and you won't be able to find new phats since they've been phased out.

I don't think it makes a very big difference honestly. The increased load times are only for a select few games. Where are you able to find an original for $70-80 though? Mine was recently stolen and if I can replace it that cheap, I will....

Through a stroke of good luck, craigslist.com. I was dubious at first of the claims of "hardly used condition" (allegedly played only "a few times") but I requested some hi-res pics and it does seem practically unused. He was trying to sell it and 2 games and a UMD for 120, but using my skilled negotiation I opted out of the games and movie and he dropped it to 80.

Sometimes you get lucky with classifieds, I guess.

I'd go with the slim simply because it fits in a pant pocket easier. Other than that, it's able to charge via USB, the screen is brighter, there are different colors, and it loads faster. I was hopping Sony would include a flap to protect the screen in the redesign, but for the most part it's good.

The Slim by far. I would spend a few more dollars than to wait for my PSP to crash or load up a game that takes ten minutes. Plust the smaller design makes it easier to carry.

Go with the slim. Its way cooler.