I am now the "proud" owner of a £50 secondhand PC laptop.
It works, and I've downloaded the Multiecuscan software though not purchased the licence yet.

Leads are now on the agenda.

I know about the resistor problem, and so have shortlisted this ELM327 from fleabay. It's a UK company and the lead is a pretty blue colour.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-ELM3...5&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=6&sd=181648381328&rt=nc

From what I can make out from the Multiecuscan website, a 500TA only needs the ELM327 and a Yellow adapter cable 3.
http://multiecuscan.net/SupportedVehiclesList.aspx
The website kindly offers the wiring connections for the adapters, so it's only a matter of buying one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/1414...3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108
........... and then cutting the cable half way and linking up the correct wires to DIY my own Adapter Cable 3.

Any comments or advice please before I go ahead?

Regards,
Mick.