It is convenient that it is always contained within the box. In principle, you could take out the compressor from within it, although the motivation behind doing so is unclear. And the plastic cover on top, about which many people have complained that it is not made of metal like the main body, is in fact just as effective a solution as the main body itself. Because you can put it on the car without worrying about scratching it, your hands won't get scratched if they come into contact with it, and even in the winter it won't be as cold to muck around with it. In general, certain pluses:)