Sleekness, however, is likely not a primary concern for those descending into the depths of the Grand Canyon or traversing Death Valley.

WSJ: DeLorme inReach SE, a Satellite Gadget for the Civilian | Geek Chic

"Voltaic set out to design a lightweight case that could charge a tablet quickly, but also match the sleekness and simplicity of the many of the tablets, " said Shayne McQuade, CEO of Voltaic Systems.

ENGADGET: Voltaic Spark Tablet Case powers your pad with the Sun's rays

Firms like GadgetTrak are developing systems like this to help quash the rising rate of electronics robberies in the U.S. The small size, sleekness and mobility that make today's electronics convenient also make them great targets for thieves.

FORBES: Magazine Article

That's not to say the Nook HD is a particularly bad-looking device, but as with the Simple Touches, there's little doubt that the company sacrificed a bit of sleekness in favor of building a slate around the human hand, a noble enough pursuit so far as tablet industrial design is concerned.

ENGADGET: Nook HD review: a high-def tablet with the heart of a reader