Code Readers - ELM327 vs VS450 ?

[peter.s]

I'm looking to buy a code reader to read and clear error codes for my Mk1 1.9 TDI. It seem the ELM327 Bluetooth/WiFi dongle and the VS450 are the two hot contenders.

I use Apple as my computer platform and have an iPhone, so buying a cable and using software on a PC is not an option for me. I'm hoping the ELM327 will communicate with my iPhone and clear codes. But I've read mixed opinions about the ELM327, some say it only works with Android phones and doesn't clear codes.

I've also read mixed opinions on this forum about the VS450. Some hate it others like it. Apparently it doesn't read all error codes. Hmmm!

Any advice?

 

[Bigjohn84]

Mate don't buy that,type VCDs 409 in eBay £5 works a dream, plug and play, laptop and ur rolling that's the best out there mate.

 

[Bigjohn84]

That's what I use but totally up to you mate

 

[peter.s]

Thanks Gig John, but I don't use a PC (I'm Apple OSX based), so this won't work for me :-(

 

[Bigjohn84]

Have a look mate you might find one for Apple, I bought a really old cheap laptop running XP for £10.50 of eBay, and bought VCDS for £5 so £15 all in, try doing that mate, I just got that laptop for the cars.

 

[virdi]

Most Apple people I know always have a virtual machine running windows..,

 

[MikeAllam]

Sealey do some really good little hand held readers which you can pick up second hand quite cheaply. That way you don't have any dependance on a computer, saying that you wont really beat vag com.

 

[peter.s]

Sealey do some really good little hand held readers which you can pick up second hand quite cheaply. That way you don't have any dependance on a computer, saying that you wont really beat vag com.

Sure vag com would be great, but I think for me it is overkill. I can't justify spending a few hundred $ on a tool I will (probably) only use lightly.

In regards to the ELM 327, I've learnt that the connectivity of the ELM327 is software dependent, and there's a lot of software out there to choose from - so I guess the question really should be... which is the best app for my iPhone?