[quote name='DigitalSpace']I'm buying a Genesis myself shortly.[/quote]
Just bought one. Model 2, for $15. I picked the model 2 because that's the model my brother owned back in the day.
Now here's a little Sega Genesis 101 on the models.
Here's what each model looks like (with apologies to you 56k users):
Model 1
Model 2, a little slimmer than model 1. No headphone jack, though.
Here's Model 3, a lot smaller than models 1 and 2. It also has a wider cart slot for playing imports.
And for those who have never seen it and wonder how the 32X and Sega CD connected to the Genesis, here's a model 2 with those hooked up. The Sega CD is a model 2.
And here's a Model 1 connected to the model 1 Sega CD (with the sliding disc tray).
FYI, models 1 and 2 are very common. I've heard the hookups are a little harder to find than the consoles themselves, so if you see a loose one at Goodwill or something, ask if they have the hookups behind the counter or something because if you buy it without hookups, you might have some trouble getting them. Model 3 is harder to find than the others, but I'm not sure if it's scarce or not. It's also a little more expensive than the other two, at least at B&M game stores. Also, I've noticed some places charge less for a model 1 than model 2, while some charge the same. But with eBay, you never know. :lol:
I'd go with Model 1 or 2, both are pretty reliable. If you want a headphone jack, model 1 is for you. If you don't have much space, model 2 takes up less space than model 1. Model 3 has a size advantage, but with the drawbacks JibbaJabba and YoshiFan1 stated, I wouldn't go with it. And like I said before, if you can get one for $10-15, don't pass it up.
And yes, I'm a nerd. :lol: