I purchased this sander because I needed an ROS badly to finish my woodworking projects. I had a crappy BD OS (not orbital) which worked but didn't have any dust collection. The PC 343VSK sander that I have is made in Mexico.
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br /This PC ROS works very well, giving me very smooth sanded surfaces. It is heavier than the 333 model and has a slightly larger cap. Although it is heavier, it is well balanced and it adds some weight to the sanding. The slightly larger cap may make it harder for smaller hands to hold or grip it well. The motor is powerful and provides even sanding even when I apply a lot of pressure on the unit to sand hard.
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br /I only had 2 small qualms about the sander. If you don't use the shopvac, and use the collection canister, the canister is not very efficient in containing the sawdust. Small particles of sawdust start coming out through the lip when the canister fills to about 1/4 full. This is because the canister is installed upside down on the sander when sanding on horizontally flat surfaces. The canister is easily removed to be emptied but it is just more troublesome to remember to check how full the canister is. Although the dust collection was reasonable without hooking up the sander to a shopvac, hooking it up to the vacuum makes sanding almost dustless.
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br /The second qualm is that the first unit I received had a hard case that did not latch properly. No matter what I tried, the latch would not latch tightly and properly and the case would not stay locked, leaving the case prone to opening when you lifter the carrying handle. I exchanged the sander for a new one and although the new latch worked better and was closing, the design specs could be improved to give it a positive locking on the latch.
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br /Overall the sander is an excellent unit. Would recommend it.
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br /Update Jan 4 2008:
br /The dust canister kept getting loose and keeps vibrating off. Can't keep in in pace except with duct tape. Just be forewarned of this design issue.
br /I would drop the rating to 3 stars if I could.

The pad brake actually works unlike other manufacturers claims. When the sander is off the workpiece, it does not spin. You can have it running and switch to another piece without marring it. One gripe I have is the variable speed. When turned down below the highest setting it is just about impossible to use the sander. It jumps all over the place and you can't get a consistent finish. I just switch to hand sanding at this point. Otherwise I like it though I wish I saved my money and bought the fixed speed version. The dust collector is worthless. I can't use it inside unless hooked up to a shop vac which makes trying to control it a PITA.

Excellent performance at a great price. The dust collection is good as is, hook up a vacuum and it is virtually dust free. The convenience of hook loop, dust collection, great price, hard case, and a good orbital sander to boot.

Well, this is my fourth Porter Cable variable speed random orbit sander. The three previous models, 333VS, still work and do a great job. However, I needed a new one and noted the 333VS has been replaced by this one.
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br /First, fit and finish are slightly different than the old 333VS. The top handle cap is indeed a little bit larger, but I am able to handle it well even with my small hands. I have had to search and search for units that I can use properly as my hands are not as big as my woodworking friends. So, if you have smaller hands, this might be a consideration to keep in mind.
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br /The dust collection is about the same as the previous model. I have had to duct tape or masking tape on the dust collector as it would continue to fall off while sanding, or the dust would find ways to escape from the canister. However, putting a hose attachment to a dust collector will take care of the majority of these issues. This is the only reason why I have given this model 4 instead of 5 stars (seems like an engineering problem).
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br /The unit comes in a nice case. Mine is rarely in the case as I use it quite a bit. The variable speed settings only add to the versatility of this unit. I can't think of any reason why I would want to pay $20 less in order to get the same model without the variable speed function. I have used the variable speed feature in almost every job I have done and find this feature to be extremely useful. My suggestion is to get a sander with the variable speed function versus one without.
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br /Finally, it is nice to see Porter Cable still makes a good product that will last for the consumer. I have purchased several different manufacturers versions of a variable speed random orbit sander and have never been truly satisfied. This one, in my opinion, does it all and will keep you happy.

Porter-Cable 343VSK 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander - Hook Loop Pad
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br /After many years of hard service I replaced my trusty old DeWalt 5" RO sander with a new Porter Cable 343VS. To-date I'm very pleased with the PC's performance. Aside from a couple of features the DeWalt lacked (vacuum hose attachments, bayonet-fit on dust collector, self-stopping) there is very little difference.
br /I bought the PC for its vacuum hose capability, and I bought PC's 1" flex hose kit. It will be useful when (if ever) I locate an adapter for my 2" dust collector's LOCK LINE hose.

The top cap was gouged and penetrated to the extent that I would not put the sander on a store's demo shelf. Having arrived in a secured case (with internal architecture not corresponding to the damaged area), the sander's damage was unlikely caused by shipment trauma.
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br /Weeks ago I returned a PC router whose base was cracked (and almost severed) upon receipt.
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br /PC's good reputation may be historical. I picture a frantic manufacturing plant focused solely on quantity production.