one of the major problems with the DS line was the flaky hinges, they become loose, and some are even quite loose when you buy it. if you can eliminate the problem alltogether then isnt that a good thing.
i know a lot of people use portables at home. when the TV is unavilable, or before bed, or on the toilet. so any Aesthetic downsides are a moot point really.
a game system doesn't need to be "sexy", it just needs to work. (see original gameboy)