I am totally in love with the game. While I haven't played it too much, I must say I enjoy it so much better than the other one. Okay, so it does have it's downside (equipping items and no dressing room, as previously mentioned), but still, I'd prefer this one over the old one any day. Besides, it has the most awesome law system ever, and the old one doesn't! That's were FFTA wins for me!

On the GBA factor, while I agree there is a downside to the GBASP, I would in no way recommend a regular GBA over the SP. I own both, and aside from the middle of the day sitting right under the window in an uncomfortable possition, it's hard to get a really good view of the screen. So yeah, if you're going to get this game and a GBA, get an SP. It's just... better!