I wonder if a portable AC could do both. If you want it cooler you put the vent hose outside. If you just want to dehumidify but not cool you let it vent inside.
An AC and a DeH are the same mechanism. The only difference is that the AC is mounted in a window or exterior wall so the waste heat and condensation (drip drip) can be dumped outside the living space. A DeH dumps condensation into a bucket and dumps the waste heat into your house.
My thought was that a portable AC would be easier to switch modes. Having a window unit sitting in the middle of the room would be intrusive. But, it seems the portable ACs actually work a little differently, so aren't very good as an AC. Apparently they have a single air intake, which splits over the two sets of coils (condenser, evaporator). The hot air goes out the tube, which is meant to go outside. Thus it creates negative pressure in the room, drawing fresh air from wherever it can get in. So you get humid air from outside coming in. A normal split window unit runs outside air over the warm side, so doesn't force air inside the room.
There are dual hose portable ac units at home depot website.
You are right.. A window AC has to take all its air from inside.
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