Am I doing the right thing?

In January I toyed with downgrading my psp.
I couldn't bring my self to do it through lack over courage and knowledge.
I've now about to get a psp that is a 1.50 from a friend.
From what my friend told me it's a french import so won't play movies(which i'm not fussed about) but is the same in all other aspects as uk ones.
Am I doing the right thing by getting it to then get going on the homebrew scene?
What will I need to download to play stuff like ps1 games?
Love the thought of playing old retro stuff like mega drive and snes.
Please help.

a 1.50 psp is nice, but playing newer UMD games on them is a pain. You want to search around for the 3.10 open edition custom firmware. This lets you run homebrew and all the latest games, ps1 games etc.

Yes. 3.10 oe- a is a better firmware than 1.5. you can run all of the latest games AND play homebrew/ps1 games! be sure NOT to upgrade to the sony firmwares!

yeah i could have made that a bit clearer now I read it back...

3.03 OE-C is better, you dont want 3.10 OE yet, you can change your iconz on 03 O

Just install the pack in my sig.

Put the folders in the PSP/GAME/ folder, and run it from the XMB. Then press X to confirm.

This 3.10 open edition,do i buy a psp with it on or is it something i can download onto it?
Thanks for the quick replys....nice to know there are people out here that can help.

You need to download it and install it yourself. It's a mix of 1.50 firmware and 3.10 so you get the best of both. There is a little work involved, but if you search for it on these forums you will find a bunch of guides.

Sounds like thats what i need and will be abit easier then downgrading my present psp.cheers for the help.....i'll see how i go.

Wow...thanks Excruciation x.your pack worked a treat......can i now delete the files off the memory stick?..........retro here i come.....