PS2, backup and imports, no soldering, help

ok!
Now is a stupid time to be buying a PS2 for the first time, I know. Shut it. :(
I live in Japan.  I want to buy a PS2, but play English games on them, and "backups".  I can't solder though, so a modchip is out.  How can I accomplish this with minimal frustration and anger and broken-ness?



Help me /tech/, you're my only hope.

A modchip fitted by someone else?

Otherwise, you're dealing with swap discs (eg. SwapMagic), which is a less-than-perfect solution. The trouble with swapping discs is that you need to access the disc without actually activating the tray open mechanism. This means using either a slide tool to manually open the tray latch (which can eventually damage the tray mechanism), or installing a flip-top case/lid (which will invalidate any warranty and requires a bit of screwdriver work). Take your pick.

using swap magic isn't as bad as you think. For the chubby ps2's -yes, its a bit more of a hassle because of the tray (I'd really recomend getting a fliptop for those). Slim ps2's are pretty simple though google around for these things called "magic keys." Basically these tools plug a couple buttons that the lid presses while closed, but the best part is that you can do it without these cheap pieces of plastic...a couple pieces of tape and maybe a small bit of material from a cottonball.

advantages: quick, cheap, easy -just a single swap!.....

disadvantages: ....which can get annoying sometimes, the swap disc will wear out rapidly (game doctor to the rescue), may have to void the warrenty anyway, not quite as good as a modchip (but at least you don't have to solder)