Hi,
any suggestions about a scan tool? something simple that will hook up to the OBD2 port and bluetooth to the phone. Otherwise anything that runs on a linux laptop.

Search around as there are tons of threads on this.
Most buy the Elm327 BT adaptor and download an app on their phone. I personally use the Torque App.

I have 2 of these (one in each vehicle I drive...)

OBDLink® LX Bluetooth | OBDLink® | OBD Solutions

They are a bit more expensive but seem to be very high quality. I have not had any problems with it, figuring out how to switch between the two of them in different vehicles was frustrating, but I eventually figured out the process and it wasn't the adapter, it was me not knowing what box to tick.

I have Torque Pro on my (Android) phone, however it will work with various apps and platforms. Don't see Linux mentioned specifically though.

Now it's set up, with the exception of switching vehicles which requires changing a few things, you open the app and everything connects automatically. I can put the phone in it's cradle and have live gauges for whatever nerdy things I want to monitor. (Usually trans and coolant temp.)

I was using ELM adapters and the Torque app. I got tired of the adapters dying and went to a Scangauge. I get code scanning and real time gauge monitoring without tying up my phone, I think it's worth the extra bucks.