I'm also looking for a low cost dedicated MP3 player. But I'd like it to support bluetooth. Is there anything decent?
The HIDIZS AP80 seems a device with a decent configuration.
Ask HN: What can replace my iPod for podcast listening?
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Re: Ask HN: What can replace my iPod for podcast listening?
#92A cheap phone without a sim would be way more capable alternative though
I had an old Motorola Droid I used to do this with, then switched to my Windows phone without any issues. Battery lasts a few days when you turn everything off, and the music app's interface is clean and easy to use. I just dropped a 128GB card in with all my music and podcasts and I was off and runnig.
You can find several older Android and Windows phone models for around $50 or less on ebay and most of those early phones had replaceable batteries as well. Grab and extra battery and you should be set for a few years.
Re: Ask HN: What can replace my iPod for podcast listening?
#93BTW: Have you tried smartphone + battery pack + battery saver enabled + airplane mode?
Should last you a long time.
Re: Ask HN: What can replace my iPod for podcast listening?
#94Raspberry Pi
Re: Ask HN: What can replace my iPod for podcast listening?
#95Sony has some wireless headphones that contain an MP3 player, but if you want to keep your existing headphones or have a screen that probably isn’t a good solution!
There is a $4000 CAD walkman for sale...
Re: Ask HN: What can replace my iPod for podcast listening?
#96How, specifically, is the hardware dying?
iPods are extremely easy these days to mod, fix, and even upgrade storage space on - /r/iPods is often full of these fantastic projects. There is also /r/iPodhacks.
It's fairly easy to take them apart and can be fun. You can extremely easily and cheaply get parts like battery replacements (sometimes even w/ extra capacity), screen replacements, and sometimes even storage upgrades. (Although I honestly think the 5G nano might be out of that last category. Moreso talking about Minis, full-size iPods, and, IIRC, 1st/2nd gen nanos.)
Of course, it's not for everybody; and, definitely, it might be useful to get another device suggested by someone else here as a backup or something. But this is HN, so I figure it's an adequately geeky suggestion. :) I am also into the environmental impact of fixing things vs. buying new things.
EDIT:
Here's a reliable resource for parts I have used in the past - (please note I am not affiliated with the site, just saying it has worked for me):
Re: Ask HN: What can replace my iPod for podcast listening?
#97What about an Apple watch or another smartwatch?
Re: Ask HN: What can replace my iPod for podcast listening?
#98Sansa Clip with Rockbox firmware[1]. [1] https://www.rockbox.org/
As a bonus, enabling Timestretch [1], then adjusting playback speed [2] gets you up to 2.5x playback without affecting the pitch of the speakers' voices (i.e. no Alvin and the Chipmunks).
[1] http://download.rockbox.org/manual/rockbox-gigabeats/rockbox... [2] http://download.rockbox.org/manual/rockbox-gigabeats/rockbox...
Re: Ask HN: What can replace my iPod for podcast listening?
#99You could bump up to an iPod mini v2 and optionally swap out the internals for some extra storage space. The stock battery with the latest apple firmware lasts about 18 hours with 450mAh. There are better 1300mAh+ batteries that offer a lot longer time though. Like others have mentioned Rockbox firmware is also available and will increase the battery life too.
The iFixit site has nice repair articles for how to change the internals. An upgraded SDXC memory card with 128GB of space runs about $30. You could also buy a modded mini with this kind of storage off ebay for around $125 but it probably won't have the nicer battery life.
If you really like the nano you could also swap out the nano battery to bring it back to life. It doesn't look like the storage is replaceable though.
Re: Ask HN: What can replace my iPod for podcast listening?
#100Not to derail, but does anyone have a suggestion for the same, but for audiobooks?
My SO's Honda doesn't support playlists or bookmarks, and most of the apps we've tried either don't scale well for large libraries or are built for podcasts, so something simple and standalone with those features would make her happy.