my girl has a 2nd gen. ipod mini.
it's been about 1.5 years now that she's had it. she hasn't used it too much. mostly at work, sitting on the desk while listening. the battery would die on day two of a charge (sometimes day one), charge it, use it again days/a week later, rinse, repeat. the thing looks pretty much brand new.
first there's been the crap ass'ed battery life since near day one,
and now...
awesome!
go apple!