[protostar8]

Edit2: I realized I should have just asked this question: What is the easiest way for me to play imports and back-ups on a V1 PS2?

My PS2 is an original Day 1/Version 1 release. I know that putting a mod chip in it would be a pain in the a** unless things have changed (version 1's were really nasty to work with if I recall correctly). I have all the things needed to mod a PS2 hard drive except a hard drive. I even managed to snag a network adapter for $25 thanks to an independent seller on a popular sales site. I tried looking up a compatibility list and it was pretty small for a version 1. So, if I can get my hands on one of the hard drives listed as working for a V1 PS2, would the hard drive route still be the best way to play my games or would it be simpler to mod a ps2 to play my imports? I was going the hard drive route b/c it seemed really easy, but if it won't let me play imports, then it's a lost cause and I would consider other routes...

Also, how do you transfer games to the hard drive. If I make an ISO on my PC, can I transfer it to the PS2 hard drive via a flash drive or something (like in the case of my imports that won't load on my unchipped PS2) or just plug the drive into my PC and transfer files directly from one HD to another?

Edit: Honestly, all the effort is to play an import game (Transformers Tatakai...I know, it's a horrible game, but I'm a huge Transformers fan and want it purely for nostalgia)