I'm considering getting the ScanTool OBDLink SX USB: Professional Grade OBD-II Automotive Scan Tool for Windows. What is your take on using a laptop versus a handheld or bluetooth interface? I would imagine that a laptop running an i5 or faster CPU would give good performance but then it's Windows. I'd rather use a device that's compatible with Linux though.
Don't
OBDLink's software sucks, and you have to pay more money for the extras.
It's much more of a hassle to have to go home, drag the laptop into the car, plug it in, and boot it up every time you need to do diagnostics.
You already have a smart phone, and you can throw a dongle in the storage compartment so you can use it any time the need strikes (check engine light comes on at work? broken down on the side of the road?) It's also easier to record data while you drive.
And get something that is a complete package: hardware + software. Well Supported software that is well fleshed out, and actively being developed.
Check out Bluedriver.
