i see what you're doing now.

http://www.ps2nfo.com/hddfaq.html

that page shows everything so i understand what you do with the original ps2. you do just plug in an ide hdd. the new slimlime one doesn't have the space to do that and has the network stuff built in. no doubt that is on purpose to prevent people using hdd's with blatantly copied games.

maybe it would've been better if santay had've brought me the old version.