PumpkinSpice
Banned
Dating back to 2004 I've had issues with needing to make sure my PS2's AV cable was plugged in extra tight across 4 different PS2s. I think it's just the port design isn't very good.
If you're going to go for anything new, stick with the original since you get better options for homebrew (I have one of my PS2s set up to run games off an SD card via IDE), ideally going for an SCPH-39001 since it has a more reliable laser.
Most slim models also have a redesigned IO/sound chip which was also used for PS1 comatibility and can have some minor compatibility issues mostly in PS1 games but even in some PS2 games (sound issues).
If you're going to go for anything new, stick with the original since you get better options for homebrew (I have one of my PS2s set up to run games off an SD card via IDE), ideally going for an SCPH-39001 since it has a more reliable laser.
Most slim models also have a redesigned IO/sound chip which was also used for PS1 comatibility and can have some minor compatibility issues mostly in PS1 games but even in some PS2 games (sound issues).