Since you're in the USA, better go for a Japanese machine as it's convenient that it boots in NTSC so you can't go wrong there. PAL and NTSC machines can run each other's software in both modes, but it needs user intervention. Who knows how your NTSC screen will react to PAL.
Any Panasonic or Sony MSX2 or MSX2+ would do if I had to start now. Just be very cautious of the HIC-1 board sd_snatcher mentioned. It's an off the shelve board used in some models by both manufacturers. It's no joke they're malicious suicide boards. If they're not serviced chances are 100% that they'll blow and waste whatever they can.
Have one of the mentioned flash cards and you're ready to go.
Hmm, unfortunately the economics of importing an original MSX2, adding a flash cart, maybe getting a step-down converter, replacing caps and drive belts, and getting a custom RGB cable which I'd like to have aren't quite working out it would seem. I think I would rather put money towards more games at the moment instead of splurging on the system (which I can always do later).
What cost-effective FPGA options do I have? The SX1Mini+ looks very appealing if 8bits4ever intends to produce more at some point.
I picked up an SX1Mini+ since they are back in stock currently!
Not nearly as fun as a complete vintage unit, but a lot easier on the wallet, especially after all the Yahoo Japan auctions I've been buying recently >.<;
I hope we've still got a couple PS/2 keyboards in the garage...
