VCDS: Recommended OS and "Cheap" Cable?

[renold458]

I want to start checking codes and logging etc. correctly on my car and decided to pull the trigger on VCDS. Since I'm already going to be dropping $100 on the software has anyone had good luck with those cheap cables I see on ebay? Does anyone have one that they know works well with the recent version of VCDS? Also what OS should I run it on? I have a Macbook Air and was just going to bootcamp whatever version of Windows has the least issues with it for my B6.

[Luxus Panzer]

100& on the software? The software is free. It is the genuine cable that costs $$.

Genuine cable is worth every penny. Especially if you register with its serial number on the Ross-tech forums for tech support.

[mdh]

To get the full version of VCDS Lite it's $100, and worth every penny.

OP I have a cheap ebay cable with the full version of VCDS Lite for my a4 and I love it. I run Windows 7 with mine on my laptop. It works great.

[texasboy21]

IF/When your computer dies or the hard drive crashes you are out the $100. I think getting the cable is the better deal. It retains resale value, and has unlimited support. They have helped me out numerous times from computer issues to recoding modules.

[rollerton]

IF/When your computer dies or the hard drive crashes you are out the $100. I think getting the cable is the better deal. It retains resale value, and has unlimited support. They have helped me out numerous times from computer issues to recoding modules.

Listen to this^ . You might call them and see if you can convert your VCDS lite to a hardware credit. If you have any issue at all you're hosed. They'll just tell you to contact the manufacturer of the cable.
If you buy from Ross_Tech the cable is the whole thing basically, you can use it on any laptop and many tablets and it's guaranteed basically forever.
The $300 I spent 14 years ago has definitely been worth it, Ross Tech is a small company and amazingly helpful.

[renold458]

Well I'm not going to have the Audi for long and the immediate spending of $300 for the cable isn't feasible when I'd rather have that for other things I'd rather do to the car. I do appreciate the info though, didn't know if the PC craps out the license goes with it. Regardless I do not see that happening, and I hate waiting for things to sell ): I PM'd you mdh regarding the cable. Thanks everyone for replying!

[mdh]

If you read the instructions on the Ross-Tech website, it clearly states for you that you are allowed one hardware transfer. Also, if your laptop dies, you can fix it? Unless you run it over with a truck, it's possible to pull the files off the HDD and save the program, then format and copy back to the system... Therefore using the "same hardware".

[SJorge3442]

You can legit buy the cable for $350 and sell it for $300 with no problem.