ds lite pros: brighter screen better resolution more ergnomically correct (fits more comfortably, nice weight to it) smaller prettier ds lites cons: less a few hours less battery than the original certian models of the ds lite has faulty hinges that can crack (my friend bought two that did this) certian models of the lite's top screen will crack certian models come with dead pixels anyways.... chances are you WON'T get a faulty DS lite.... and if you do you will have to replace it... if you're still under warranty you just gotta pay shipping.... anyways.... the DS Lite is better than the original DS and worth the extra cash... i still have the original launch DS (big, bulky and silver) and it plays perfectly... and everything looks/works fine.. the outside of the unit is scratched up.. but that's just cosmetic damage... anyways.... the DS lite is far better... and just as simple to flash ... if you are into that sort of thing.
Actually, you can get more battery life out of a DS Lite, as long as your not playing at the highest brightness level. That rely isn't needed either, playing on the same brightness(with the DS) can get you about 2-3 hours more battery. Nintendo includes a 1-year warranty with every DS Lite, but you can get a 2-year one from Best Buy.