Timely post, Steve. Your technical details are always informative and interesting to read - at least to this weekend mechanic-wannabe.

I've been studying the generic OBD II software and scanners, and looked at the Snap-on MT2500. I've seen that scanner in most shops around my area. I've also talked with several other car-nut buddies who are quite satisfied with the laptop loadable generic systems.

For a serious hobbyist of average financial means, is the Snap-on unit realistic? You are saying the generics don't provide sufficient testing or versatility? On the other hand, it can get very expensive to buy a dedicated instrument that needs specific modules for functionality.

Your opinion?