Hello,

I seem to be a bit confused. my OBD2 cable is simply that... a cable. the one for the obd port and a usb tip. no other circuitry. it's the one used to flash Evo and STI's using ecuflash. The ones sold in the internet seems to come with a "box" that interprets obd data. Isn't that what the laptop is doing anyways? Am I missing something?


it seems simpler to get a handheld tho it's extra expense IF my cable+laptop works in the first place.

I'm thinking of getting Chris' recommendation if my laptop doesn't do the job.
http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9180-.../dp/B000KG8KB0

Yes, there is a tiny circuit built into the molded USB connector. We use similar cables here at work.