Once you submit your I-485, I think that it is better to apply for AP. Whether to use the AP is another question, but at least you have received the pre-authorization for any emergency travel outside of the U.S.
The advantage of using AP is the easiness of returning to U.S. without having to obtain a new visa at a U.S. consulate while you are abroad. The disadvantage of using AP is that you may have slim chances of losing your H-1B status after using AP (well, no certainty). As long as you keep working for the same employer and you do not have any other issues that may jeopardize you 485 approval, using AP shouldn't cause any trouble.