I have searched for a couple of days now, and haven't come up with a conclusive answer. So here goes:

What do I really need to be fully functional with a Ross Tech Vag-Com?
the cable, the software, repair manual....

What does that reallly get me?
no more trips to the dealer, just know if the dealer is telling me the truth...

 

There are certain factory setting you can change/adjust. You can do your own oil change and reset the oil change light... stuff like that.

I hear chicks think Men with Ross-Tech VAG-COMs iz HOAWT!!! Take it down to your local hang-out spot and WHIP IT OUT!!!

 

Vag Com .. +1

 

Wife says there are 2 boxes on the counter waiting for me, one from Ross Tech and one from Autoparts Warehouse. Looks like there is a brake job in my near future.

 

I've got a Bentley manual and have hardly used it.
The thing with our cars is that they fail very consistently. Because of the wonderful forums we've all got the privilege of using, I have found a detailed DIY walkthrough for pretty much everything I've ever done to my car.

Of course, I own an A4 with the 1.8T. If you had a more rare car, you might not find the walkthroughs.

Vag-com is killer. Saves you so much hassle, money, and stress. If you get a CEL, you've got it figured out in minutes.