Some suggested models

If you are looking to cool a relatively small room, the Alen C350 offers a powerful compressor with the ability to put off 12,000 BTUs and cool a 350 square foot room for around $400 and a per square footage cost of about $1.15.

Jump to over $1.50 per square foot for the 250 square foot capable Amcor AL1000E . It has the desired electronic control but the setup makes condensate draining difficult.

Turn to a larger room of over 350 square feet and take a look at the Alen C475. Like its baby brother, it has a strong 14,000 BTU compressor for a 12,000 BTU price plus sports a pump to get rid of the moisture problem.

Don't expect to find your typical Fridgidaire names when it comes to finding a portable air conditioner. Some names you will most likely see are Alen, Amcor, or Sunpentown.

Sunpentown units tend to be highly efficient with EERs of over 15, which beats a window unit's efficiency. The Sunpentown WA-1010E has a self evaporating aspect that keeps you from draining the water tank so frequently. It also has the very nice option of digital controls, carbon filters and those adjustable louvers.

Soleus small room unit, the MAC7500 offers versatility as a cooler, heater and dehumidifier. You will have to empty the smallish water tub but it won't overflow due to the automatic cooling shut off option. The fan will still run however, and if you want one of the drainage tubes, it is an option.

DeLonghi of coffeemaker fame also puts out high end portable air conditioners. The least expensive unit is priced at around $700 and they boast "no drip" engineering, making tub emptying unnecessary. The moisture is just exhausted along with the hot air. Note that if you have allergies and are concerned about bacteria, DeLonghi claims their anti bacterial filters in their portable air conditioners remove 99 per cent of dust and other particles in the air.

Measure your room and know how much square footage you are trying to cool and then buy a unit that can meet your air conditioning needs. Know how you are going to vent it before you buy, and if you will be good at emptying the condensate or if you will need a model that takes care of that for you.