OG 9-3 and pre '06 9-5 are very easy to use tech 2 with (other cars need CANDi module (which actually came with my tech 2), and those cars might need need some sort of special security clearance, which TIS is required, but don't quote me on that).
Lot of info/programing /diagnosing available by just plugging in to OBD port. Any PC connectivity it seems is for tuning/SPS programming/updating and such, which I do not think I will need in the immediate future, but I bought this for when that time may come:
https://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=690402
So far I used mine on my '02 9-5 to put in a new ECU, peace of cake, and to change lock/theft settings, peace of cake
Used it in my '99 9-3 to turn off an airbag light and to diagnose some vert top issues, peace of cake
WIS is definitely your friend when it comes to troubleshooting problems, lot of step-by-step instructions on how to use the tech 2 to do certain things, and it's now available online (but less easier to navigate the pictures, but does have a better search function)
https://saabwisonline.com/
TIS2000 comes in to play when you want to connect the car/ECU etc to your laptop to do some stuff from there...but like I said, I'm not gonna tune my cars nor do I think I need special security clearance, so I'll learn that when I need to. Still wouldn't hurt to get it at least installed/running on an old Windows XP laptop (if you have it)
I'm personally thinking (sorry, hoping) I can bootcamp my MBP to Windows XP and use the serial to USB adapter that I linked above, but, like I said, we shall see!