OBD1 Scanner via Smartphone/Laptop

[JCampbell]

I was looking at buying a dedicated OBD1 scanner when I got to thinking about the possibility of simply using a laptop/smartphone (which I already own) as a scanner instead.

Does anyone here have any experience with this? What cables do you recommend? What apps/software do you use? Any other comments/observations?

I know, I know...LMGTFY, but I didn't feel like sorting through page upon page of useless info to maybe find the answer I'm looking for, especially is someone here already has the experience.