The e3 has a solderless clip, and is recommended for beginners IMO. Don't get me wrong, it is still a pain in the ass, especially your first time or 2. Modchipcentral is where I got mine, but they are out of stock a lot too. Check there. If you want someone to do it for you,
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playerkp420
is in USA and he does a good job. Very reputable person and is pretty cheap. But if you are want ing to do more than one ps3, then I would recommend the e3 flasher, and then you would also need a fsm dongle, like the e3 card reader or similar item. Try what pereb27 was getting at tho and see what happens. Try booting it with no hdd in at all.