There are only xbox v1.3 in my area. Is this version any different from the 1.2 in terms of fitting a modchip for or does this not matter for modchips?

1.3 is the best one especially with the samsung dvd drive. and the dashboard has xbox live built in. get an x-cuter 2.2 lite plus easy no soldering required.

Oh okay...that makes a lot of since

Yeah I was unfortunate to get the first edition...v1.0, later to find out that the dvd player wasn't any good... but with the rumor that Xmas sales will bring the price down to about $100, it'll be worth it to buy another one with the good dvd player in it.