Even though I intended to solder it from the get go, there were
two basic reasons I choose this (more expensive) chip.
1) I have been running a PS2 with the DMS chip for quite some time now,
and I am very happy with it. Both the XBox and PS2 chips from DMS
seem to be very well made. (Despite thier recent problems)
2) The usb flasher is a nice feature, it allows for a smaller external board
and a cleaner install than a DB25 connector.
Yeah it's a pain that you have to pay more for the chip, because of
the pogo pins. Yeah it sucks that the usb flasher is not compatible with
everything. And, the 2MB flash and multiple bios banks are not terribly useful, but
it is nice to know that it is there.
If you are gonna take the time/effect to install the chip in the first place, you
should pay the extra and get a chip that has the nicer features.
Don't feel bad about soldering, even if you paid extra for a chip with pogos.