bit-tech Shopping: Whynter ARC10D Portable Air Conditioner

• Dehumidifier Function
• Digital Control
• Fan Function
• Remote
• Timer

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Week

Strengths: Cooling, style, ease of use, price

Weaknesses: Would like more control of air flow. Unit only adjusts up and down.

Summary: I purchased this unit to replace one that worked faithfully for three plus years (almost on every day for for at least ten hours). It was packaged well and the unit was covered to prevent damage with a thin plastic coating that just pulled off. Set up was easy (since I had experience with the venting process). Once the hose was connected it came on and cooled the room quickly and fairly quietly. I recommend this unit for a small 300 sq ft room.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Days

Strengths: Slim, small remote control; sleek look; price; reuses water byproduct so you don't have to dump it out if you don't want to; has wheels you can roll it around on, has a handle in the back

Weaknesses: Noise level (can sometimes have a very slight muffled whistling noise when the a/c is on), directional air control (can only change the air direction going up or down)

Summary: After much research for an portable A/C unit, I am very happy to say that I love my new Whynter ARC10D Portable Air Conditioner! I don't mind the noise level at all. It's a pretty average noise level for a unit of this type, in my opinion. Occasionally, there is a very low muffled whistling sound when the cooling unit goes on, but I only noticed it because everything else was quiet and I was going to bed. At this point though, I'm just being picky.The installation of the machine was pretty easy. My boyfriend and I installed the hose, the window kit (which was pretty easy), and then turned it on. It took about 15 minutes total but only because I was reading the manually carefully to make sure I didn't miss anything. One of the things I was afraid of was not having enough of a window kit to cover the length of the window, but it fit pretty nicely. Our window is about 45" high. The window kit is basically 2 pieces of heavy plastic about 20" in length each and 5" wide, with a hole in one of them for the vent. The hot hair that blows from the back of the A/C unit through the vents can get pretty warm so it is recommended to keep as little distance between the A/C and the window as possible for the vent to just blow the hot air outside quickly. The left side of the A/C has an air filter which you can remove and clean. I believe this side sucks in the air. The right side blows out the cold air but you can only adjust the flow up and down. So if you want the air to blow more to your left or right, you have to move the whole unit. The whole thing is on wheels though, so it's pretty easy to transport. Also, it is fairly heavy... 55lbs. Apparently these units also come in different colors because instead of silver like the picture, the ARC10D I received from Newegg.com had a dark turquoise color. The venting and top area is black just like the picture though. Regardless of the color though, I now have a nice cool, comfy room! I can't wait to get the electric bill....If you have any questions, feel free to comment on this review and I'll try my best to answer them.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 5 Weeks

Strengths: Contemporary look. flawless performance.

Weaknesses: Window kit could be longer.

Summary: Have been using this product for close to a month, and I think it's been battle tested enough for me to comment on it. Cooling power is more than adequate for the small den area I use it in. I also tested it in an enclosed space and you can really feel it working. Dropped the mecury from about 89 to 72 in 25-30 mins and from 72 to 68 in another 10 or less mins. It is quite mobile given the casters, but mobility could potentially be limited to the length of the exhaust tube. It is completely adequate if you want to leave it in one spot. The remote control was also fun option to have. Price wise unbeatable, very good value.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 41 Days

Strengths: Cooling output, nice looking

Weaknesses: Power cord is on the short side.

Summary: We can now sleep comfortably. I have this baby running almost 8-10 hrs a day. Now that I have experienced the comfort, I can't live without it. It is very easy to put in place and use. I think they must have mispriced it. I am sorely tempted to get another.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1

Strengths: - longer window kit than usual portable ac's- longer hose than average- nice stainless steel design- easy to carry (handle on back, place other hand on front where the vent is)- cold air

Weaknesses: - mild performance in my 20x15 room- vent isnt really adjustable

Summary: After doing a lot of research on portable AC units, I thought I would give one a try.I chose this model based mainly on its hose and window kit size although looks and efficiency also factored in to it.Overall I am pleased with the unit; however, the vent placement isn't as favorable for my situation. The intake is on the left hand side (with the unit facing you) and the cold air comes out the right hand side. You can only adjust the air up/down.On the plus side, the air is indeed cold and the compressor works pretty quickly and the unit is easy to move around (for someone who's used to lugging 21" CRTs around).The looks are less impressive in person than online, but they'll do.Overall, I got my bang for the buck.