The gauges, regulator and hose coupling on this model are out in the open, and exposed to potential damage if used at a busy construction site. For my application, however, the exposed fittings are not an issue.
A good compressor to get you started. - I shopped extensively for a light duty compressor based on the following criteria: price, weight, and flow rating. I found the PC 3HP pancake style to be the best model that fit my needs. It features the same motor and compressor as the PC 3HP twin stack model but is $40 cheaper and about 10 pounds lighter. I also thought it would be a little more compact and easier to move around. Given the twin stack has a few nice features, like dual quick connect fittings and a gage console, but I just didn't think I would need them.

As far as flow capacity the PC 3HP is one of the best considering its price and weight. It's rated at 5. It is an oil free design, so it can operate on uneven ground. The oil splash designs are supposed to have greater durability but for my infrequent use it should be just fine.

Other than that what can I say - it pumps air. Supposedly it runs at higher pressure (135 psi max) than its competitors. This gives it the reserve of a 5 gallon tank, even though it is physically 4 gal. It is fairly loud, but I haven't listened to many other models to make an educated comparison.

Overall I think it's pretty sweet. Especially after I drove my first nail with the PC finish nailer I bought to go along with it.

*** One year+ update ***

I have now owned this unit for over one year and am pleased to report zero problems. I have used it quite a bit for high air flow operations, such as blowing off dust / debris and even running an air chisel to bust up concrete. It often runs full time for 5-10 minutes and is able to keep up with air demand. If you are going to be regularly moving the compressor around, spend the extra. bucks and get the one with the roll cage. I actually ran a compressed air line out to my garage, so the compressor can stay put in the basement and avoid potential damage from moving it.

*** 4-year update ***

I have owned this compressor for 4+ years now and am still completely satisfied. I did have one problem with a leaky pressure regulator. I was able to fix it a few times by disassembling the regulator housing but eventually stripped one of the connectors. I used a hand held, air chisel to break up the mortar joints. The compressor was operating at 100% duty cycle for 10-15 minutes at a stretch, but couldn't quite keep up with continuous use of the air chisel. I figured it was time to buy a bigger model. As an last ditch experiment, I bought a 10 gal portable air storage tank, some extra quick disconnect fittings and rigged up a reserve tank in parallel with the 4 gallon PC tank. (yes, I am an engineer) My thinking was that I would run the crap out of my little PC and if it bit the dust, that was my excuse to buy a new compressor. I am amazed to say the PC compressor ran flawlessly for the entire chimney demo and still works fine today.

Overall, this is an outstanding unit with few limitations for the average user. I also consider it an great value, given its capacity and well thought out design. It will be a great addition to your shop. (It will also inflate tires!).
portercable compressor - This is a very good air compressor. I run multi-equipment from my air compressor every day. I will buy another porter cable compressor just like the one I have now but it still works like brand new so I dont see having to replace it in the near future.
Plenty of Power to Offer...but it needs plenty, too. - This is a nice tight little machine which should have plenty of power
to run two hoses at one time, and the professional HVLP spray painting
gun I plan to use with it in my small general contracting business,
BUT, it will need the right power source. I tried the compressor on an
undedicated 15 amp circuit, and it immediately blew the switch every
time. I called Porter Cable and they admitted this 3HP motor NEEDS A
DICATED 15AMP CIRCUIT (with nothing else on the circuit to compete).
I also learned (the hard way, of course) that if you are using the
compressor with a 50' extension chord (with too high a guage) on a 20
amp circuit, the pump will not get enough electricity to pump air
after cutting-in when the tank pressure drops to 110 psi (the
specified cut-in pressure) - the pump will start pumping, but quickly
stop and you'll hear the motor straining until it blows the 20 amp
circuit, too. Porter Cable told me that if I plan to use even a 20
amp circuit with an extension chord, I need to use a 12 (preferable
10) gauge extention chord (ideally 25' rather than 50'), or the pump
won't get enough juice to cut-in properly and refill the tanks. It's
cheaper, my new Porter Cable friends say, to buy more air hose than
the right gauge extention chord - Ah, such knowledge I'm gaining.
Sadly, the compressor arrived with an air intake filter housing badly
bent downward (done apparently at the factory, as the box from Amazon
wasn't damaged), so I couldn't remove the air filter. AND, the drain
valve (to drain water from the bottom of the tank) would not
completely close allowing lots of air to excape from the tank. In my
chats with an Amazon tool sales rep, and later with a Porter Cable
tech rep (to help me unravel the compressor's electrical-needs
mysteries), both Companies quickly and nicely insisted on sending me a
new air intake filter housing and a new drain valve (I guess I'm
getting two of each?) - no questions asked. The machine is fairly
loud, but it only takes my pump about 6 seconds to refill the tanks
from the 110 psi cut-in pressure to the specified 135 psi cut-out
pressure. I figure the noise level goes hand-in-hand with the added
power this compressor offers - power I think I need. Suggestions: the
manufacturer needs to tighten quality controls inspection of the
product prior to boxing & shipping, and the editorial reviewers
need to "call a spade a spade" in write-ups on this tool's
power needs.