Is the Makita BO5031K good for beginners?

Yes. The speed dial and 5-inch pad make it forgiving on flat panels, and the hard case keeps the basics together. It is heavier than a compact sander, so expect some fatigue on vertical surfaces.

Does it use standard 5-inch sanding discs?

Yes. It takes 5-inch hook-and-loop discs, which are widely available in every common grit. The pad is about 4-13/16 inches across, so standard 5-inch discs fit with a slight overhang.

Can I connect it to a shop vacuum?

The dust port accepts a standard hose, and a vacuum gives far better pickup than the included bag. The bag is fine for light work but lets fine dust through.

How does it compare with a 3/16-inch orbit sander?

The 1/8-inch orbit is gentler and leaves a finer finish, while a 3/16-inch orbit removes material faster. Choose this one for finishing and the larger orbit for stripping and stock removal.

What comes in the box?

The sander, a dust bag and a hard carrying case. Sanding discs are not included, so buy a grit assortment separately.

Is it suitable for sanding drywall?

It can be used, but the dust bag is not sealed enough for heavy drywall dust. A dedicated drywall sander or a vacuum hookup is a better fit for that job.