Laptop automotive scanner
A laptop automotive scanner is the way to go if you already have a laptop or PDA. My view on this has recently changed. I own hand held auto scan tools and have been resisting the purchase of a laptop interface tool. The main reason for this is that I do not own a laptop. But the government agency that I work for, in conjunction with an overwhelming vote from all 12 mechanics Recently purchased the elm scan 5 bluetooth scan tool. The people I work with think that I am a computer whiz. So I was charged with the installation and testing of this diagnostic tool and software in our shops laptop.
Our shop laptop is a tough book that already has Cummings insight software and a few other diagnostic programs installed. The Panasonic tough book runs Windows XP professional and is abused on a regular basis by all of us. The elm scan laptop automotive scanner is a very complete package that comes with all of the software, instructions and cables needed to get the diagnostic program going. It took about 15 minutes and I was scanning our first vehicle for a check engine light problem.
Scanning vehicles with a laptopNow as I mentioned above, I am no stranger to using a laptop scan tool on all kinds of vehicles. In fact The Cummings insight auto repair software program is almost identical to using the elm scan program. But with one big difference.The Cummings, diagnostic program uses the serial port on the laptop to directly connect to the vehicle via a cable. This can be a problem when you are trying to view data in the direct sunlight.
You are also limited by the cable length as where you can set up the laptop to start your diagnosis. And a serial port connection has a much slower data transfer rate then the USB based blue tooth connection. The obd II interface that we purchased has the Blue tooth option. The claim is that you can scan the vehicle from 300 feet away. I don't know if this is true, but I must have been at least 100 feet from the vehicle while running through the diagnostic procedures. In this case, the vehicle was outside in the direct sunlight and I was in the shop where I found it extremely easy to read the screen. Since our shop is located in South Florida, most of the repairs are done outside. This Bluetooth feature may not be as important for people in other areas of the country that will be performing all of the diagnosis and troubleshooting inside of a garage or shop. And if this is the case then I would not purchase the Blue tooth option since the standard elm scan laptop automotive scanner "below" does the same thing for about $50 cheaper.
Automotive laptop scanner diagnosticsAnd the answer is that there is no difference at all in the information that is available or the capabilities of the units. The big advantage of the OBD laptop interface is the ease of use when it comes to reading the display. You can also display more information at the same time on the laptop as opposed to a hand-held scanner. Will I be purchasing this laptop interface for my own personal use? The answer is no I will not. The reason being is that I do not own a laptop, nor do I wish to.
But for those of you that have a laptop or PDA. These laptop automotive scanners should be considered. I don't want to get in trouble by naming other competing brands. But from what I could tell the elm scan unit is unique in the fact that it comes with all the software you need to get it up and running the minute the box is opened. Some of the other brands require internet downloaded freeware to get the diagnosis going.
How to use laptop scannersNot only can a laptop automotive scanner be used to fix cars but they can also be used to maximize your vehicle's performance and fuel economy. This book covers what each code means and how to use the power of the scan tool to quickly troubleshoot and repair check engine lights. The guide is illustrated with photos and diagrams to help you understand OBD-I and OBD-II systems. As well as how to read the information they record in snap shot mode. It also includes a complete guide to online information sources as well as a comprehensive list of codes, common failures and troubleshooting tips. There is also a section dedicated to using a laptop automotive scanner.
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To set the record straight, I am in no way shape or form a computer whiz, but I let them believe that I am because compared to some of the mechanics I'm a computer science major. 
