Talk to me about MP3 players!

[tellmetologoffIamaMNaddict]

I am looking for, what appears to be, a very niche product! I want a device to listen to podcasts on but that a) doesn't require faffing about transferring files from a computer (I would like to download podcasts, for example, when travelling) and b) isn't a smartphone in all but name (like the Ipod). The whole point is to leave my phone behind and just listen to podcasts without the distractions or temptations of my phone. Incidentally I think there is a massive gap in the market for a simple podcast device for older people but I digress.
I have done a fair bit of research but it is hard to find out which devices will meet my criteria as the product info tends to focus on the music aspect..or they rave about running on Android and having Whatsapp etc which is exactly what I don't want.
The only device I have found which might fit the bill is an Astel and Kearn one for a wopping 650 quid. Apparently it has only music apps on it. If I really have to I will invest but would love more info. Does anyone have one? Does anyone else have a non-smartphone solution to listening to podcasts on the go?

I have no good suggestions but you have reminded me of the complete ball ache of converting mp3 files to go on my old mp3 player. Also iTunes was a huge faff.

Can you not get an app that blocks certain phone/interweb functions for set times so you can use your phone without temptation?

@PrincessTuna

I have no good suggestions but you have reminded me of the complete ball ache of converting mp3 files to go on my old mp3 player. Also iTunes was a huge faff.

Can you not get an app that blocks certain phone/interweb functions for set times so you can use your phone without temptation?

Haha I have that. I delete it when I need my Mumsnet fix (pathetic). I also find Itunes rubbish. Never understood why Apple was considered so user friendly.

I actually believe that what I am looking for will be available one day as more and more people understand the benefits of digital minimalism and the dangers of phone addiction. I am ahead of the curve ;-)

Hmm you need to go cold turkey. Maybe do something outrageous and get banned?

But you will probably just end up on reddit...

Oh God. I had a horrendous few weeks on Reddit discussing Serial years ago.

My phone broke a while ago and I used a Nokia instead for a couple of months. I have never felt better (aside from having to fanny around on Itunes to get podcasts). If I didn't need emails for work I would think about getting rid completely (as well as a basic MP3 player the other dream device would be a phone that only accepts calls and emails. Basically I want to return to the early noughties)

I may have found an answer...I had a look at my Kindle which also plays Audible but has no other apps. I thought to myself, this is exactly the kind of thing I want but for podcasts! So it occurred to me Amazon might make something similar as an MP3 player. I found this. Whilst you can't download directly on the device it does look very easy to synch and I can use either Spotify or Amazon Music for podcasts. Not perfect but I think it will do the job.
www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Spotify-Music-Player-Zazzy-Gully-Blue/dp/B07KJZJG7H/ref=zg_bs_573372_8?psc=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&refRID=NGQNYE9NTM8JKNAHYER9

Oooh that looks ideal (and pricey)!

It doesn't let me download on the device unfortunately but the only one that does (and doesn't have other apps) is the Astell and Kearn one for 650 quid! Insane

That looks good!
But if you are potentially resigned to synching via computer, take a look at these - quite a bit cheaper, and with a little screen telling you what you’re listening to:
SanDisk Clip Jam 8GB MP3 player - Blue amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VXMXWKE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_BV3BBGAEEX42ZGMX0FBQ?psc=1]]

We have them for both boys. They work fine with the audible app on the pc, and you can just drag music etc onto it. Battery lasts for ages too.

Well that link didn’t work! Try this...

www.google.co.uk/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwj98o3Anc7vAhVV7O0KHTxnB0YYABAFGgJkZw&sig=AOD64_342ddRiSN9yFn4TBpMFedovBmHDQ&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwie9YbAnc7vAhXTfMAKHSuyB4AQ-pECegUIARDDAQ&adurl=

Thanks! Can I ask you how podcasts would work? I know Audible has podcasts but I think only the ones they make themselves. Do you have an app to download the podcasts or do you have to drag and drop the files.

Having said all that I am swaying back to the Astell and Kearn which is an obscene cost but I feel like I would get so much use out of it and I could also get bluetooth speakers and replace my Alexa which I have been wanting to do. It seems to be the only device that does exactly what I want it to do