The hardware wallet is for making easy payments and creating new crypto addresses other people can pay to. You can use one with a computer, or even an android or an iphone using a USB cable.
All transactions require using a pin number you have pre-programmed onto the unit. Also, I hear on some devices it is possible to add a secondary password for more security, or even a hidden wallet.
Interesting. So these features make it worth your while to get one. Maybe I will follow suit one day. :)