Console Modding

I plan on modding my PS2 so it can play foreign games.

Problem is, I'm not sure what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a mod chip, nor do I have any experience with soldering.  I'd like to avoid swap disks, as those are plain annoying.  I'd also like to avoid anything significantly more expensive than a game.

Suggestions?
Also, go ahead and discuss experiences with modding other consoles.

It's probably some cheap ripoff that you cant upgrade it's bios.