1) For me my 3.5lb is easier to carry than the whole file cabinet it replcaed. It holds years of Bank statements, photographs, etc. Its a time saver for me to not have to try and load up 100lbs of paper.
3) I made a notebook and keep it in my fireproof box. If your house were to catch fire or somehting while your at work then you may not be able to grab that notebook. I'm making my en electronic document that can be printed then add the originals like birth certificates and such. I'm planning on requesting copies of original docs and storing a second notebook in a firebox at another location.