The downside is that it is quite heavy, though that can be a advantage to keeping the saw stable when starting a cut.  The aluminum base seems very rigid and gives confidence on keeping the cut on course.  Nice hard case with space for a few additional blades though you have to be careful stowing the cord to keep it away from the blade.  Hard case is much better than the bags supplied with my other DeWalt purchases.  Warning - no fence is included - you have to buy the over-priced $20 DW3278 fence separately.