Need help with opinions on scan tools

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boxcar - 21 Dec 2005 12:50 GMT

Whats the better way to go.? Handheld scan tools like Actron CP9145, or
laptop pc like EASE or AutoTap.? Seems like the PC types have so many extra
charges, but the handhelds have it all contained.? Help me out with some
advice. I'm a home DIY'er and not a pro making a living at repairs.

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Lawrence Glickman - 21 Dec 2005 13:49 GMT

>Whats the better way to go.? Handheld scan tools like Actron CP9145, or
>laptop pc like EASE or AutoTap.?

I have experience with the Actron 9145, and it is what I use. It
suits my purposes. You can read the feature set of this device on the
WWW somewhere.

Laptop solutions? I don't own a laptop, so I have never evaluated
the, but AutoTap looks pretty comprehensive.

I got the Actron on sale for $200. It came with a Diagnostic CD to
tell you what the codes mean for -your- vehicle, except for the
generic codes which everybody's scanner reads. The 9145 however
renders the CD redundant, since when you have a code, it not only
shows you the number but the English transalation on the LCD screen.

IF I already owned a laptop I didn't mind banging around in the
garage, as in, an *extra* laptop, I would buy the AutoTap just for
comparison purposes, if/when I had the money.

> Seems like the PC types have so many extra
>charges, but the handhelds have it all contained.? Help me out with some
>advice. I'm a home DIY'er and not a pro making a living at repairs.

I think unless you're willing to drop a laptop on a cement floor, or
otherwise bash it about, the Actron 9145 isn't the worst scanner you
can buy for your money.

Lg

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aarcuda69062 - 21 Dec 2005 14:11 GMT

> I think unless you're willing to drop a laptop on a cement floor, or
> otherwise bash it about, the Actron 9145 isn't the worst scanner you
> can buy for your money.

Bluetooth.

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Lawrence Glickman - 21 Dec 2005 14:46 GMT

>> I think unless you're willing to drop a laptop on a cement floor, or
>> otherwise bash it about, the Actron 9145 isn't the worst scanner you
>> can buy for your money.
>
>Bluetooth.

Gads. Now that's something I hadn't considered. Wireless connection
to computer.

OK let me ask this then...

My *garage* a.k.a. Larry's Car Barn, is located about 75 feet away
from my desktop computer. And I _suppose_ I could put a receiving
antenna outside the window of my room to get a better signal. how do
I run back and forth between the house desktop pc to work the scanner,
and the automobile which is running? Slowly, so I don't trip over
anything.

Again it comes down to this: I don't have the money for any more
scanners at the moment. Yes the graphing feature is the enhancement
on the PC which I sacrifice with the handheld. Then again, I haven't
come across anything with the handheld that I couldn't solve with that
alone. If/when the day comes I =have= to have graphing, the die is
cast, and I will have to Pop for the PC software/hardware.

Lg

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aarcuda69062 - 22 Dec 2005 00:53 GMT

> >> I think unless you're willing to drop a laptop on a cement floor, or
> >> otherwise bash it about, the Actron 9145 isn't the worst scanner you
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> and the automobile which is running? Slowly, so I don't trip over
> anything.

Move the computer out to the garage.
Or, get a laptop.
Or. move the computer to a window -near- the garage were you can
see it from the driveway/garage.

> Again it comes down to this: I don't have the money for any more
> scanners at the moment. Yes the graphing feature is the enhancement
> on the PC which I sacrifice with the handheld. Then again, I haven't
> come across anything with the handheld that I couldn't solve with that
> alone. If/when the day comes I =have= to have graphing, the die is
> cast, and I will have to Pop for the PC software/hardware.

Maybe Actron or some third party vendor has a graphing program
that works with your and held.
I use Scan Grafix with my MT-2500. While not an everyday need, it
has proven well worth the cost on intermittent problems and makes
for a nice visual that I can print for customer when explaining
the failure.

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aarcuda69062 - 21 Dec 2005 14:09 GMT

> Whats the better way to go.? Handheld scan tools like Actron CP9145, or
> laptop pc like EASE or AutoTap.? Seems like the PC types have so many extra
> charges, but the handhelds have it all contained.? Help me out with some
> advice. I'm a home DIY'er and not a pro making a living at repairs.

Laptop.
More versatile (graphing), expandable, you can buy just the
software that you need (GM Ford Chrysler Toyota).

Handhelds need to be updated as new requirements arise, may not
effect your situation though.

Check out AutoEnginuity.

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