Howdy all, about to get a PSP, going out to buy one tomorrow but ive been reading posts and reviews around different places and people seem to be looking for what firmware is running on the PSP's before they buy... so my question is..

Have sony done something in the later releases of their official firmware to make it impossible to put Dark_AleX's firmware onto it? or is it still possible but far more difficult?

Ive looked at the Firmware Changeability chart at:
http://psp3d.com/general-psp-discuss...son-table.html

but from what ive understood from reading posts is people are flashing their PSP's with 1.5 then putting custom firmware on?

Second question is:

does anyone know if the starter pack comes with a USB connector to your PC? or is that a seprate purchase.. i'd rather find out now and get everything in one place than run to 15 different shops

(GIGA packs seem to be sold out at retail stores in my area atm so im gonna have to buy stuff seprately) i asking cause i dont have a card reader, atleast.. i dont think my USB drive reads sony mem DUO's.
i have a USB > Firewire cable anyway.. if thats the cable i need

Thanks in advance for any Advice/Answers given
-Dragona