I have the 3000 model, and my boy has the original you have. as you assumed, the game is easier on the eyes and speedier when playing on the 3000.
On a sidenote, here's what the always truthful WikiPedia sez in regards to the display upgrades on the PSP 3000:
Which sorta makes sense. I know that my boy complains about how difficult it is for him to play his PSP outdoors, but mine looks just fine. Definitely cleaner, better look on the 3000 model