Sega Saturn - which model should I buy?

So the Saturn is one of the only consoles from the 90's that I don't own, but I would very much like one.
I'd like to know which model I should go for? I do plan on modding it to play backups and be region free. I'll most likely get a japanese model, which means I'll be looking to put a picoPSU into it. Which model is the better one to buy?

 

why a pico PSU? Are you from the land of 240v?

I've been pretty happy with my nicotine gold V2, it has a modchip, custom RGB connector and soon to have a region free bios.

These guys say the V1 is better but that's NTSCU: http://retrorgb.com/saturn.html

 

I'm from the UK, yes lol.
So what are the best mods? Modchip for booting backups and region free bios? I soldered a new bios into my Dreamcast, so I assume it's the same process for the Saturn?

 

yeah very similar

 

Check out Pseudo Saturn, you can run backups and imports without any soldering at all.

 

The revisions have minor yet not 100% understood changes. NTSC-J Outrun and Space Harrier are said to be picky which system they'll work on.

For most games I'd use a modchip, region free bios, and backup memory card. Saving to cartridge in-game is CRUCIAL.
Please don't rely on the console's battery, risking data loss every time it goes dry, or torture yourself manually organizing an Action Replay. (did I mention saves have no visible file dates? argh!)

It's also important that switching 50hz/60hz (or NTSC/PAL color) requires modding. Using a cart to play imports maintains the console's default video config.

 

I'm happy with my launch Saturn although have bunch more as spares

 

OK thanks for the info guys. So I'd be good with either model I guess then?
Any recommendations as to which mod chip to use?

 

phantom all day.

 

I heard that the Saturn has internal memory problems, but I plan on buying an Action Replay card to use as a memory card and a region coding breaker so I can play Japanese exclusive Saturn games.

 

I've spotted a nice looking model 2 HST-3210 on ebay. I'll probably go for this one, unless theres any drawbacks to this model?

 

avoid Sanyo drives and you'll be good hard to tell which have sanyo drives.

 

Well your location says Australia. Remember a PAL Saturn will run the games at 50hz speed.

 

I went ahead and bought this one: It's a model 2 with model 1 style buttons (which I love) and it looks like its in great condition
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122200404638

 

yeah yeah

 

putting 50/60Hz switch was/is far simpler and easier than the region switch