That's interesting, but with the Dark_AleX firmware, is a PSP modchip really needed any longer?

True, it is great for creating firmware backups that you can just flash straight back to the PSP without having to do any upgrading or downgrading via the PSP itself and also to unbrick a bricked PSP. But other than that I can't see any real reason.

It is better that the internal USB port can be used as that is the main annoying thing about the UP having its own USB connector from the battery compartment.

The biggest advantage of a chipped PSP is development though. I expect Dark_AleX and other firmware hackers would be stuck with out the ability to hack firmware and text it, without the worry that a bricked PSP can be recovered easily from the flash backup.

This could however be a good option for the TA-082 and 086 owners.