[biodiesel]

No need to overpay for the MX+, the VeePeak BLE will work just as well for a fraction of the cost.

I still haven't gotten AlphaOBD. Perhaps one of these days I'll want it. Would you recommend the VeePeak BLE or BLE+?

BLE - $31.99 (linked below)
BLE+ - $37.79 (linked below)

Amazon.com: Veepeak OBDCheck BLE Bluetooth OBD II Scanner Auto Diagnostic Scan Tool for iOS & Android, Bluetooth 4.0 Car Check Engine Light Code Reader : Automotive

Amazon.com: Veepeak OBDCheck BLE+ Bluetooth 4.0 OBD II Scanner for iOS & Android, Car Diagnostic Code Reader Scan Tool for Universal OBDII / EOBD Vehicles : Automotive

 

[biodiesel]

What do folks recommend for the best real-time monitoring app, with pretty gauges and such, just to keep tabs on the vehicle?

The iDash Data Monster is very impressive because it can log data. If you don't want to log data, then the Edge CTS3 is nice, too.

 

[biodiesel]

I would also suggest getting the previously mentioned "AlphaOBD" app, the stuff that comes with the OBDlink dongle has some stuff you can work with, but the AlphaOBD has proven to be the most beneficial for me, the torque pro app is also great and only 5$ (I think)

When I search for apps, AlfaOBD Demo comes up. Is that the correct one?

 

[biodiesel]

Not if you're wanting to make actual changes. You need the paid version for that.

Demo will let you move through the app and see what's available, but you can't make changes.

Gotcha. That makes sense. I was using a free tablet that we got through credit card points. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with AlfaOBD. So, I just ordered a Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 off Amazon. And thanks to @lselmes, I also purchased the VeePeak for the sale price.