I wouldn't use a portacot as a full time bed for baby as a) I don't think it would be that comfortable for them and b) my back wouldn't like me bending down every time I needed to pick Oliver up to resettle etc.

I don't think there is anything I can't live without except my pram, but you said not to count that. I do like my Hugabub, its great for days when OIiver thinks sleep is for weak babies and refuses to. It puts him to sleep in minutes every time.