I'm looking for a way to record (whistle & flute) and then play back without being dependent on a usb connection or headphones. I guess what I have in mind is something like the old cassette recorders. It doesn't have to be digital. I'm not sure what I'm looking for exists anymore. I've searched through topic on this forum and couldn't find anything.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

I've checked out the Zoom H1, but a lot of reviews says it drains batteries quickly. Any truth to that?

Probably. Most of these sorts of units eat batteries in about 4-8 hours, this one about 9-10 hours in the specifications.

Do you have an iPhone? The iTalk app is superb for what you want.

There are probably a hundred or more high quality voice recorders from Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony that will meet your needs for under $50.00.

I use the h4n, which has a speaker. I don't know how long the batteries last. Hours, at least. I use NiMH rechargeable batteries, which last longer.

The problem with all of these miniature recorders is the speakers are very tiny. If you want to hear your phrasing, then they will work, but if you want to evaluate tone, you pretty much need the headphones.