I am going to purchase a DS lite soon, and would like to get into homebrew for it.

Now, I don't have any experience and everywhere I look I see conflicting information. Now, what I would like to know is how I can do the following most cheaply/easily do the following on my DS lite -

Run homebrew NDS apps/games
Run homebrew GBA apps/games
Play Mp3s
View images
Use the Opera Browser
Rumble feature...?

Thanks,

- Juice

Might not be the cheapest option, but you can get an R4 and a SuperCard w/rumble to run both DS and GBA roms. Moonshell is a good media player for the DS and is included with some homebrew devices. As for the Opera Browser, there are some free browsers available. One of which is included with the app DSOrganize which is a PDA type of app. Then a good place to download homebrew is www.ds-scene.net.

I don't think you can use the opera browser on a homebrew device (mostly because doesn't it have an expansion pack or something...). But To run homebrew on it you'll need to get a R4 or device like it.

Then you need some homebrew or games.

The R4 already has moonshell, which will take care of your Music and Pictures.

Im pretty sure rumbles dont have gba compatibility

I'll try to stay on topic and ACTUALLY PROVIDE HELP for what he asked:

Get an R4, and DLDI patch all of the below.

Music playing:
-Licks media player - emulates the feel of an iPod (even a touch wheel!)
-Moonshell

Emulation:
-NesDS
-SnemulDS
-SnezziDS
-SnesDS
-jEnesisdS
-StellaDS
-MiniVMac

Internet apps:
-DSAIM (get the nostore version)
-Beup live
-DSorganize (web browser)
-BunjallooDS (web browser)
-Okiwi (web browser)

^ The last couple of R4 firmwares, auto DLDI patch, so there is no need.

Do do everything you want, you can an r4/supercard for the DS stuff. The for the GBA/rumble/ram expansion get the EZ flash 3-in-1(or something 3-in-1 I'm not 100% on the name). It GBA usage is limited though, it limits you to 1 game of 256M max in size(which is the largest a GBA game can be).

EDIT: here it is http://www.kickgaming.com/ezflash-3in1-expansion-pack-p-191.html

I ran into this on my escapades on the internet - along w/ a R4 would this allow me to do all the stuff I want? BTW: I don't really care about rumble anymore actually, and any internet browser will do.

http://romnet.co.uk/main/node/147

- Juice

That thing you linked to is only necessary if you'd like to play GBA games from your R4.

Exactly...that's what I'd want it for. I'm assuming you're saying that it would work, right?

- Juice

It would be better for that if you just got a regular GBA flashcard. That way, it could be used on not just the DS, but regular GBA's too.

But 2 things -

1: I don't have a GBA. I have a DS and a Gameboy Pocket (W00t!)
2: This is CHEAP. I like cheap.

Thanks for the help...maybe after this I'll get a GP2x...maybe...(Convince me?)

- Juice

I use a DS Xtreme (4gig version). www.ds-xtreme.com

It allows you to play DS games you acquire, it is also an MP3 player. Use a GBA flashcard (various ones available) for GBA games.

R4 + microSD card offers the best value for the money. If you need a more high-end solution, get a cycloDS evolution. If you are only interested in Homebrew, the main difference is support for microSDHC-cards. However, the R4 team claim they are going to fix it. If you want games as well, the CycloDS has Pokémon connectivity. They want to fix that as well on the R4. The only major difference left is a more touchscreen-heavy interface with support for more skins.

the DS-Xtreme is a very expensive card (might be related to it being one of the first), has no upgradable storage and sub-perfect compatibility. However, the built-in USB plug and colored lights should be fun.

If you want to play GBA games, there are various solutions. You could get an M3 Real Perfect bundle (the new M3 slot-1 device) or just buy either the eWin or the EZ-Flash expansion pack.

Sweet! That is exactly what I've been looking for. Will that thing work as a ram cartridge as well?