Identifying PSP Firmware Without Opening the Box

Look at the letter on the back of the PSP box.
American (1.50) Australian (1.52)
Asian (2.60)no letter = 1.0 (Japanese Release) 1.5 (North-American release) confirmed
A = 1.5 confirmed
B = 1.51 confirmed
C = 1.52 confirmed
D = 1.52 confirmed
E = 1.52 confirmed
F = 2.0 confirmed
G = 2.01 confirmed
H = 2.50 confirmed
I = 2.60 confirmed
J = 2.70 unconfirmed
K = 2.71 confirmed
L = 2.81 unconfirmed

to date there is no definite way to determine if a PSP has the dreaded motherboard.
At this point, it can be said with confidence that:

* F and below - is definitely not a TA-082.
* G and H - is probably not a TA-082.
* I - is far too likely to be a TA-082; core or value pack are equally likely.
* J and above - The likelihood of a TA-082 increases but is not universal.

Note that the PSP Giga-Packs are the unknown, because they are Sony™s latest PSP bundle, they will potentially be either 2.00, 2.01, and maybe 2.50. (because of the holidays and more volume being produced, Sony will be loading their latest firmware onto the newer PSPs.)