VAG COM - Serial or USB?

[Zen]

I'm looking to buy the VAG-COM cable and do a bit of self-diagnosis before my Audi warranty is up in September. Had a look at previous postings on this site and whilst there seems to be some preference for the serial connector (£149 excl p&p on vag-com.co.uk), there is no negative feedback from those having the USB version. However, in the FAQ section of vag-com.co.uk, I found this:

Q: What if my Laptop doesn't have a Serial Port?
A:  We realize some new Laptops don't have Serial Ports, but the ISO-9141 data-link used in VW/Audi cars is so close to traditional "Serial" that it doesn't make sense to use any other kind of port on a PC.    If laptop doesn't have a serial port, you'll need to add one.    We've had poor results with most USB<->Serial adapters -- therefore USB<->Serial adapters are "Not Supported,"   If you can get one to work for you, fine.   If a USB<->Serial adapter doesn't work, or doesn't work well, please don't ask us for help. 

On first reading I thought this said SERIAL GOOD, USB BAD. On re-reading it appears to be saying Serial Good, USB-SERIAL ADAPTOR BAD and USB cable?.....er, No Comment.

Before I take the unprecedented step of spending 150 beer tokens on a piece of cable, I would be grateful for any feedback on both types of cable. My laptop has USB but I can borrow one with a native Serial port from my brother.


Zen
Gi'init Sum Ommer

[DaveP]

Go for the USB one....never had a problem with mine and you don't want to be borrowing a laptop from someone everytime you want to check your car.

[Mc-BigE]

Bought my vag-com cable on Ebay for around £30 from a company called Alph-Bid in USA
http://stores.ebay.ie/alpha-bid

they do a OBDII to USB cable also, but you must email them for that.

there's a free link to download the VAG-COM software, this is basically free software but to get the full version of VAG-COM you will have to pay.