"An anonymous box that moves heat, but oversells its power and undersells its noise."
The '12,000 BTU' is a theoretical lab number; its real-world DOE-rated cooling power is 8,000 SACC BTU, sufficient for a medium bedroom or home office, not the large '500 sq ft' space it advertises.
Renters whose building codes prohibit window units and need a temporary, portable cooling solution for a single, moderately-sized room. This is a stop-gap for someone prioritizing portability over efficiency and quiet operation.
Anyone sensitive to noise, concerned with electricity bills, or living in a very humid climate should look elsewhere. A dual-hose portable AC will be more efficient, and a similarly-priced window unit will be significantly more powerful and quieter.