Top Picks for the Media Consumer

Top Picks for the Media Consumer

You spend most of your time with technology enjoying videos, music, eBooks, news articles and social media.

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$290 to US$490, with accessories.

Let's start with a broad search. The following offer the best value for the lowest price regardless of format preference. As a result, you will most likely see stationary computers down here and maybe a few portable options. You have the option to look for a specific kind of device at the bottom of the page.

  • #1, Tablets (under $500)
    Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook

    Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook from US$270;
    ~$350 with accessories

    This affordable tablet has a lot to offer, with a full-featured web browser, access to the Android App Store. Thanks to the bundled cover, it's also slightly be... Read More about the ZA6F0008CA

    Device Ratings

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power2.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck4/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power2.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    performance in Web & Communication

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    performance in Audio & Visual medias

    3/5
    Meets recommended specs

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.
    Specs
    Processor: MediaTek Helio P60T
    Graphics: ARM Mali-G72
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 128.00 GB
    Screen Size: 10.1"
    Screen Resolution: 1920×1200
    Dimensions: 23.98 x 15.98 x 0.74 cm
    Weight: 0.449 kg
    from US$265.64

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #1, Laptops (under $575)
    Acer Chromebook 311

    Acer Chromebook 311 from US$270;
    ~$368 with accessories

    Chromebooks excel as easy-to-carry travel companions for those of us who need to remain connected on the go with a focus on online resources and the cloud, and... Read More about the CB311-9H-C0Z8

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power2/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy1.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    performance in Web & Communication

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    performance in Audio & Visual medias

    1/5
    Meets minimal requirements

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    3.5/5
    Meets recommended specs
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Celeron N4000
    Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 64.00 GB
    Screen Size: 11.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 29.60 x 19.90 x 1.82 cm
    Weight: 1.100 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #3, Laptops (under $575)
    Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook

    Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook from US$31020% cheaper than usual
    ~$420 with accessories

    Not quite a convertible netbook, but this Chromebook can run Chrome OS, and Android (even Linux if you're comfortable trying beta features) and is quite versati... Read More about the C423NA-RH91T

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck1/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck3.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power4/5
    Storage3/5
    Portability2/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck1/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    performance in Web & Communication

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    performance in Audio & Visual medias

    3/5
    Meets recommended specs

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Pentium N4200
    Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 32.00 GB
    Screen Size: 14"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 32.26 x 22.80 x 1.66 cm
    Weight: 1.200 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #5, Laptops (under $575)
    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook

    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook from US$270;
    ~$370 with accessories

    With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model trades some of its portability to give the user additional room to work. If you find reading on a sm... Read More about the C523NA-BB01-CB

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck3/5
    Versatility for the Price2.5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability1.5/5
    Autonomy1.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck1/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    performance in Web & Communication

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    performance in Audio & Visual medias

    1/5
    Meets minimal requirements

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    3/5
    Meets recommended specs
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Celeron N3350
    Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 64.00 GB
    Screen Size: 15.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 35.81 x 24.89 x 1.52 cm
    Weight: 1.451 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #6, Laptops (under $575)
    Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook

    Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook from US$270;
    ~$370 with accessories

    This Chromebook can run Chrome OS, and Android (even Linux if you're comfortable trying beta features) and is quite versatile for the price.

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power1/5
    Storage3/5
    Portability3/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck1/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    performance in Web & Communication

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    performance in Audio & Visual medias

    1/5
    Meets minimal requirements

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    4/5
    Meets recommended specs
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Celeron N3350
    Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 32.00 GB
    Screen Size: 14"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 32.26 x 22.86 x 1.52 cm
    Weight: 1.400 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the The Source site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #7, Laptops (under $575)
    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch)

    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch) from US$270;
    ~$368 with accessories

    With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model trades some of its portability to give the user a larger picture to work with (but not necessarily m... Read More about the C523NA-DH02

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck1.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power1/5
    Storage3/5
    Portability1.5/5
    Autonomy1/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck1/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    performance in Web & Communication

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    performance in Audio & Visual medias

    1/5
    Meets minimal requirements

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    3/5
    Meets recommended specs
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Celeron N3350
    Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 32.00 GB
    Screen Size: 15.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 35.81 x 24.89 x 1.52 cm
    Weight: 1.410 kg
    from US$264.13

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #2, Tablets (under $500)
    Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet (2019) Guillaume's pick; 27 times!

    Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet (2019) from US$160;
    ~$290 with accessories

    Here's an affordable tablet that doesn't compromise on software updates and long-term security. It's not the perfect product, but it's now a bit more powerful... Read More about the KFMAWI

    Device Ratings

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck3.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage3/5
    Portability2.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck3/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage2.5/5
    Portability3/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    performance in Web & Communication

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    performance in Audio & Visual medias

    2/5
    More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    3/5
    Meets recommended specs
    Specs
    Processor: MediaTek MT8183
    Graphics: ARM Mali-G72
    Memory: 2.00 GB
    Storage: 32.00 GB
    Screen Size: 10.1"
    Screen Resolution: 1920×1200
    Dimensions: 26.20 x 15.90 x 0.98 cm
    Weight: 0.504 kg
    from US$151.79

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #3, Tablets (under $500)
    Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet (2019, Kids Edition)

    Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet (2019, Kids Edition) from US$200;
    ~$350 with accessories

    Cost-efficient and kid-friendly, this tablet comes with a kid-proof case and a 2-year guarantee to match.

    Device Ratings

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage3/5
    Portability0.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability3/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage2.5/5
    Portability0.5/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    performance in Web & Communication

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    performance in Audio & Visual medias

    2/5
    More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    3/5
    Meets recommended specs
    Specs
    Processor: MediaTek MT8183
    Graphics: ARM Mali-G72
    Memory: 2.00 GB
    Storage: 32.00 GB
    Screen Size: 10.1"
    Screen Resolution: 1920×1200
    Dimensions: 29.20 x 20.60 x 2.60 cm
    Weight: 0.778 kg
    from US$197.33

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #4, Tablets (under $500)
    Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016)

    Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) from US$310;
    ~$490 with accessories

    A good android tablet if you're not looking for something especially powerful, but want a big screen and good battery autonomy.

    Device Ratings

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power3/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability2/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power1/5
    Storage0/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck1.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power2.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability2.5/5
    Autonomy4/5

    performance in Web & Communication

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    performance in Audio & Visual medias

    1/5
    Meets minimal requirements

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    3/5
    Meets recommended specs
    Specs
    Processor: Samsung Exynos 7870
    Graphics: Samsung Mali T830
    Memory: 2.00 GB
    Storage: 16.00 GB
    Screen Size: 10.1"
    Screen Resolution: 1920×1200
    Dimensions: 25.40 x 15.53 x 0.82 cm
    Weight: 0.530 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Visions Electronics site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

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Looking for a laptop, tablet, smartphone or desktop computer specifically? Here are the product families in which we found options matching your needs: