Came across this yesterday..
http://www.tascam.eu/en/dr-10c.htmlSuper small, super basic, presumably super reliable. Runs on a single AAA battery, recording 24/48 mono PCM files. Start recording from power-off with a single slide of the power switch in about a second or two. Interchangeable top panels allow conversion of input and signal pass-through jacks from 1/8" TRS mini-jack, to mini-XLR, or other lav connector types.
Too bad they don't make this in a 2 channel model. It would make an excellent
recorder. I'd like one that records 4, or 5 channels.. preferably with 5V mic power instead of 2V, however I can live without that. Comes quite close to the specialty recorder I've been designing in my mind for years, which is all about simple function in a small, reliable package.