I've had my HDAdvance for a bit, and I love it, however I wish I could just run DVD backups instead of having to open up my computer, and put in the hard drive (I couldn't get the network feature to work) every time I want to play a new game. Also, HDAdvance does not run every game I want it to (no MDMA :( ). So I looked into PS2 Softmodding, and it seemed if I wanted to do it, I'd need to buy an Action Replay.
I do not have any more money to spend, and I'd have to imagine that now that I have a boot disc/ability to boot most ISOs, that there has to be some way to softmod my PS2 with what I have.
sorry tehsprint but you can buy action replay max evo edition with media player or a swap magic, gameshark or a mod-chip, which requires hardmodding. youre gunna have to buy all your stuff. i have action replay max but i use it for the cheats. without buying any of them, then u wont be able to play backups and etc