I suppose you have seen the Brando aluminum hard case that was posted right here just a while ago ?
http://www.internettablettalk.com/fo...ead.php?t=2447

I would suggest a variant of this concept, ie a similar hard case but :

- with a lid that will swivel backwards nearly all the way, with a "click-in-place" hinge, so the case also doubles as a desk stand as had been already suggested (I believe this could be the most expected feature overall),

- said lid could be entirely transparent (acrylic etc.) or at least with a screen-sized window. Being able to see the screen with the protection of the closed case would be extremely useful in some cases, like driving with MaemoMapper navigation... No big loss IMHO if that means no MMC card holder(s).

- mallard's idea of an easily accessible holder for a second stylus on the case itself is a really good one too.

As noted by others, making sure that Wifi, BT, speaker and microphone still work in-case is essential (and maybe difficult). I wouldn't mind if the MMC trap door was blocked by the case. As for the bottom ports (USB, jack & power) I would rather have a protecting trap door that slides sideways in the case bottom, than a permanent cutout (no protection) or an extension of the lid (contradicts point #2).

Good luck :-)