I have three DA polishers but generally prefer the Griot's with the optional longer cord using their backing plate. Preference in pads is Lake Country and I like the standard flat foam pads.
Whichever pads you get buy more than you think you will need. I've used up to a dozen on a single vehicle.
Good advice on the pads!
The Porter Cable DA polisher is the best I've seen and tried (I have a detailing company friend who let me use 5 different units over the past 90 days)...just to compare.
Also...after extensive reading...some of the other polishers appear to have more frequent maintenance issues, especially the Griot's and Harbor Freight units, which seem to have more online information addressing their problems than how well they actually operate for any length of time. When you have online videos about "work-arounds"...the red flag goes up.
I'm getting the Porter Cable DA polisher this weekend.
The PC is not even CLOSE to the power of the Griot's machine not to mention the Griot's LIFETIME warranty.