Top Picks for the Tinkerer

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$589 to US$1190, 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.

• 

  HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$610;
  ~$1090 with accessories

  This desktop PC has a lot of storage space and offers a lot of performance for the price. It's a great pick if you keep an extensive media collection and it's a... Read More about the 595-p1009

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Audio & Visual medias

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Video Games

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-9400

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 2 TB + 128 GB (~2.13 TB)

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  from US$605.95

  • US$605.95 from HP (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 13:21:33, EDT
  • US$681.69 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 13:20:28, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×
• 

  HP Pavilion 590-p0099 from US$6306% cheaper than usual
  ~$1070 with accessories

  If you need a PC capable of handling a bit more than garden variety productivity, this computer could be for you; especially if you need something simple, but w... Read More about the 590-p0099

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  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.

  performance in Video Games

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8400

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 630

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  from US$628.67

  • US$628.67 from HP (New)
    as of 2019-10-12 13:34:41, EDT
  • US$634.73 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:04:37, EDT
  • US$664.27 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 15:33:24, EDT
  • US$666.54 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 04:28:54, EDT
  • US$669.57 from eBay (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 04:29:02, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×
• 

  HP Pavilion 590 Desktop PC from US$23046%, Best price yet!
  ~$589 with accessories

  With a large hard drive, this computer is a good fit for the collector of photos, music, videos and any file you'd prefer not to store in the cloud.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Multitasker
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer
  • the Audio Editor

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  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.

  performance in Video Games

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A10-9700

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 2 TB

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  from US$226.45

  • US$226.45 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 12:48:36, EDT
  • US$416.59 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-10-15 12:48:01, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×
• 

  MSI Nightblade MI3 8RA-022CA from US$69010% cheaper than usual
  ~$1190 with accessories

  A compact Gaming PC for the living room or anywhere space is limited. With carrying handles, it's also an attractive option for LAN parties or if you have to re... Read More about the MI3 8RA-022CA

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Video Editor
  • the Graphic Designer
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Audio & Visual medias

  4/5

  This should run nicely

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Video Games

  2.5/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8400

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 12.80 x 34.20 x 26.80 cm

  Weight: 8.400 kg

  detailed info

  US$681.61 from Canada Computers (New) as of 2019-10-14 14:34:15, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  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 Canada Computers site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  HP 15" Laptop from US$460;
  ~$620 with accessories

  This laptop is designed to be versatile for a minimal cost. A few sacrifices were made to get the price down this far, but if you don't need the smallest comput... Read More about the 15-DW0037CA

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer
  • the Audio Editor

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Audio & Visual medias

  4.5/5

  This should run nicely

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Video Games

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i3-8145U

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 256.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 35.85 x 24.20 x 1.99 cm

  Weight: 1.740 kg

  detailed info

  US$454.46 from Staples (New) as of 2019-10-14 16:10:12, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×
• 

  ME PC VT1000A Home PC from US$550;
  ~$1050 with accessories

  This cost-efficient PC is a great solution to handle more than just typical homework. And thanks to the way it's built, you have several upgrade options in the... Read More about the MX75756

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Audio & Visual medias

  4/5

  This should run nicely

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Video Games

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 2200G

  Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 9.60 x 37.00 x 33.40 cm

  Weight: 10.000 kg

  detailed info

  US$545.35 from Memory Express (Built to Order) as of 2019-10-12 08:03:54, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  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 Memory Express site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  HP Pavilion 15" Laptop from US$460;
  ~$620 with accessories

  A no-frills laptop for everyday needs, it is worth considering for common homework and going online for social media, emails, etc.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer
  • the Audio Editor

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Audio & Visual medias

  4/5

  This should run nicely

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Video Games

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3200U

  Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 256.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 36.16 x 24.56 x 1.79 cm

  Weight: 1.800 kg

  detailed info

  from US$454.46

  • US$454.46 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 11:45:34, EDT
  • US$530.2 from HP (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 12:26:55, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×
• 

  HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$3806% cheaper than usual
  ~$790 with accessories

  A cost-efficient computer for homework and even quite a bit of creativity.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  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.

  performance in Video Games

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A10-9700

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  US$378.7 from Staples (New) as of 2019-10-15 13:36:41, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×
• 

  Asus VivoBook 15" Laptop from US$54022% cheaper than usual
  ~$720 with accessories

  This laptop is designed to be as thin and light as possible, sacrificing battery size as well as some maintenance options. Thankfully, it starts with adequate s... Read More about the X512FA-BB51-CB

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Audio & Visual medias

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Video Games

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8265U

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 512.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 35.72 x 23.04 x 1.99 cm

  Weight: 1.750 kg

  detailed info

  US$530.2 from Best Buy (New) as of 2019-10-15 11:17:07, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×

Narrow down your search

Looking for a specific kind of device?

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