I have the Modis and kept it updated. I did not get the last one, so I guess I am not sure how late it is up to.
The updates are spendy. I did not do the last one because SO was kind of letting it go as far as updates and support.
I thought I would safe the price of the last update and put it towards another scanner.
For years I owned the brick. They supported it for years. The reason I bought the modis is I figured it was here for another generation, and they would support it just as long.
I have not bought anything yet, but I still really do not know what to buy. It seems to me that the speed and technology of vehicle repair is outpacing the hardware used to service it. The way it is now I just think no one will be selling a scanner that is made for long term use, even with updates. Even functionality of use is sort of antiquated for what is out there now.
I can not comment about the ultra, but I have the keys, and mine also is set up for european and it has a whole different connector and set of keys for that.
Much like technology the stuff the have in them is important. You can not believe the upgrades that are included in each update.
Having said all of this, I do not use mine to its full potential. Some of that is just plain the functionality of it. Not being able to go from system to system, with out backing out or restarting. It is just easier to use my old vantage if the car I am working on is supported for it. Anything newer you need an information system to do most things.
I am not familiar with the Ultra or what it is capable of doing. If it has the meter-scope part to it, I guess it would be easier to compare the two.
If it does not and you have a good meter-scope I would go for it.
Get hold of SO and see what the latest upgrade is and see how many other cables or equipment you may need. Including european, if that matters. SO upgrades are costly and you need to figure out what is best for you.
I would guess either will work well for a guy working on the side. You are not likely seeing vehicles only a few years old.