Much better to have the hose in front IMO. I'm not a fan of the squashed inlet type solutions. If the brush and base disconnect via magnets like the Kent shoe then changing the bit is not a problem and far easier than the SB solution. To be honest the only issue I've ever had with my Kent shoe is cutting right at the front of the table where the air flow is lost off the edge of the table. Other than that it's absolutely perfect.