The FiiO E17 (Alpen) weighs less than an iPhone so, even with its aluminum housing, it wont feel like you've added much weight to your daily carry. In addition to its portability, the applications for this device are many and varied. Need a portable amp for your 30-pin equipped apple source? No problem. Want a DAC/AMP to improve your laptop's sound? Easy. Want to decode input via coax? You get the idea.