OP I had the same issue (sideways sliding windows and all) and bought two Hisense double-hose 8,000 BTU units just last summer. They worked perfectly to keep our 2bed apartment cool. [This is the exact unit.](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D94WL44L?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title)
I am actually looking to sell one or both of them soon, as we're moving to a place that has a heat pump. Wasn't planning to list them until closer to summer, but message me if you're interested.
I have it to cool about a 350 sq ft space, in high humidity environment-using it about 2 months on 77 degrees farenheight at lowest (outside temps 90-100 degrees). It is a room I do not really use now, but want to keep cool; because room radiates alot of heat through large glass doors. I never use it on dehumidify, because I do not want to hassel with draining it (not had to on a/c mode-also read heat pump mode could require more draining - so I got a/c only model )
I also cut out insulation board to reinforce plastic window hose mount, matching size of needed plastic window hose mount; taped together with aluminum tape. It is only 8k btu so probably won't cool very large space, depending on insulation, and ambient temps. Also, must insulate hot side exhaust hose for better efficiency (get flexible cover on Amazon ; not the stiff ones); or wrap with some type of insulation.
This is inverter model, so I do not know how much it will vibrate, when compressor revs down to save energy-may need to place on mat to subdue vibration-especially on bare floors. One thing about the in window placed single inverter units (talkin about different models that actually place inside open window) that I did not know about was the vibration caused by the compressor reving down, and causing low frequency vibration-travels through widow and even walls. In this respect, this portable A/C is probably better, because much easier to stop vibration, by simply placing portable unit on a thick mat.
Do find the fan speeds, low, medium and high, don't really make a difference? They all seem about the same. The AC unit blows about the same amount of air regardless of the fan speed setting.
Do you have a computer or anything else in it that generates heat (besides yourself)?
I have an 8k dual hose hisense with inverter and it has been great over the past year. Mine is actually a heat pump and the heat has come in handy a couple times. Inverter models only draw as much power as they needs (non-inverter are either full power on or off). I was just playing a fairly intensive game and the AC is currently drawing about 322 watts to counteract the much higher wattage my computer was drawing.
As I was typing this I heard it adjust and it looks like the Hisense just dropped down to about 270 watts. At full power it can draw around 900. My room is smaller than yours but during the summer it can get quite warm (vaulted ceiling in old tudor home) since the central air doesn't reach it as effectively. I'd rather have too much than not enough in this case.
Hot sleep sucks. Your laptop is definitely not going to put out as much heat as my desktop. Either way, when I last looked it seemed like the better units start at 8000k btu. If you get a dual hose inverter model you should be set.
I've had that one since late last summer. Been working great so far, even used it for heat a couple times in the winter.
Haven't had to drain condensation, it seems to handle that find in our climate.
No idea how long it will last, hopefully until we do more mini splits
I have not done that direct comparison, but considering it works as a heat pump and not a resistive heater, it should be much cheaper to run for heating.
almightycuppa
