[cl3misch]

I think OP wants it to be an always-on device. The last sentence in the post is

> Nokia N900 enjoying its new life as an online radio device using Open Media Player.

But I agree with your sentiment. Using supercaps seems overengineered to me if the device is connected anyway.

[yaky]

It can't be used in a mobile way much anymore, with all 3G and many 2G shut down in the US.

The caps / supercaps are necessary to provide enough current during boot or more resource-intensive tasks.