Or even the Pi Pico.
You really don't need that much processing power to decode mp3s and FLACs.
You really don't need that much processing power to decode mp3s and FLACs.
On top of the lower power consumption, another advantage of the pico is that you can actually buy the raw RP2040 or RP2350 chips (for roughly $1) and make your own custom PCB.
You may need to build it yourself, but it looks like everything a HN-using MP3-buyer would want.
I checked, the 2nd gen iPod mini can get 18 hours of listening on a 400mAh battery, with a spinning HDD. This is getting 20+ hours listening with a 2200mAh battery and solid state storage.
Not that 20+ hours of listening is bad, I just expect a player with a battery that large to do quite a bit more.