[the3rd]

I would opt for a birdcage carrier. It is not the best option for on the go, but it has the benefit of chip trays. These make cashing out and keeping track of chips easier. If you don't travel much, you'll be fine. And they look cool.

It sounds like you might be raising the stakes from what you played previously. Print out a copy of Robert's Rules of Poker. Read over it thoroughly and add any house rules and etiquette you like. Do what is in the best interest of the game. Some players use strict adherence to the rules as a means to shoot angles.