Hello, I am looking to invest into a ODB scanner for My 2001 F150 and my Wifes 1999 Chevy 1500. I want something good and that is easy to use. I am deciding, should I go with one that I can run off a laptop or is it better to get the Handheld? Which one would you chose and which model would you get? Thanks......

 

I have both AutoTap and an Actron, and they both work great for the code scan feature.

I will say that the AutoTap software offers a lot more then the hand scanner type ( compared to the Actron ).

Now if you have a laptop, and don't need to add that expense to the mix, then AutoTap ( or other mfgr ) is the way to do with it. It does the code read, as well as the charting and logging of data, right down to the newer hardware and software from AutoTap does A/F ratio.

If you are needing a laptop, that will add another $600.00 + to the mix, and might not be worth it for what you want to do....but that is your call.

Good luck, either way it will be a great investment.

 

I have an old laptop pc and purchased an obd II reader from www.obd-2.com for about $170.00 last year. My 2000 F150 was missfiring bad. This easy to use sensor told me the cylinder and coil that was bad. It was just alittle more than the auto parts store hand held unit but gives a great deal of info plus all the software upgrades are free.