I really want Uncharted 2 but cbf playing the first one, do i have to?

Yes and no. Yes you should because it's awesome and the story is great, and no because you don't need to, the second story is a standalone.

Only thing you need to get caught up. 
 

Yes.

i dont own a PS3 but if i did i'd sure as fuck get Uncharted 2 and if i did i'd play the first one first ..

" Only thing you need to get caught up. 
 

SPOILER WARNING: Click here to reveal hidden content.

Nathan went on a big treasure hunt ala Indiana Jones/ Tomb raider style and survived with Elena (the blond/"last year's model") and BFF really old guy. The big difference from then to now, is that in Uncharted one Nathan was out of money and went treasure hunting for his family's hidden treasure. Now in uncharted 2, he apparently made a career out of it.

"

There is one additional upside to playing Uncharted one. If you have played uncharted 1 after the trophy patch (and got a trophy) , when you boot up uncharted 2, you will automatically garner $20,000 in-game dollars. If you have a platinum trophy, you will automatically recieve $100,000 to spend in the ingame store. It is NOT based upon your save file, but only the trophy list.
 
For people who did play the first game, but didn't receive the money, go to the in-game store, then at the bottom it will tell you to press some button combonation and it will search your trophy list for the game and see what, if any you've received,

" There is one additional upside to playing Uncharted one. If you have played uncharted 1 after the trophy patch (and got a trophy) , when you boot up uncharted 2, you will automatically garner $20,000 in-game dollars. If you have a platinum trophy, you will automatically recieve $100,000 to spend in the ingame store. It is NOT based upon your save file, but only the trophy list.  For people who did play the first game, but didn't receive the money, go to the in-game store, then at the bottom it will tell you to press some button combonation and it will search your trophy list for the game and see what, if any you've received, "

Man, this is awesome and reminds me of the old days of Naughty Dog, where you got extra weapons etc. if you had a save file from an older game "

I'd imagine you wouldn't have to -- but you can always pick up both games. I believe the original Uncharted runs for $30 (and now has trophy support). That's new, though, you might be able to find a copy cheaper.

you really should.  It still holds up and the story is great.