[nerys]

I think I will try something with some cheap wood first. (this way it will float too)

see ow hard that is and if that works well go with nicer wood or maybe aluminum.

this way it will be drop resistant and water resistant and still be no larger than your typical 6" e-ink device.

Might also slap 8 dollar store solar panels on the back. should be enough for a slow charge :-) or even build a small battery pack into it and have the solar charge that and the batteries charge the unit. i will figure something out