Top Picks for the Tinkerer

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$740 to US$1240, 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 gaming PC from US$73014%, Best price yet!
  ~$1240 with accessories

  Built with extra oomph, this PC is capable of handling creative projects and even some gaming.

  • the Long-Term Gamer
  • the Serious Multitasker
  • the Gamer
  • the Video Editor
  • the Graphic Designer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	4.5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2/5
  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

  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8400

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti

  Memory: 12.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  from US$722.07

  • US$722.07 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-06-25 09:54:24, EDT
  • US$760.08 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-06-25 08:46:44, EDT
  • US$836.08 from HP (New)
    as of 2019-06-25 11:40:30, 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
  ~$1189 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 Long-Term Gamer
  • the Video Editor
  • the Graphic Designer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Compact Towers standards

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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  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

  from US$683.32

  • US$683.32 from Canada Computers (New)
    as of 2019-06-26 06:17:59, EDT
  • US$700.42 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-06-25 12:07:59, 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. ×
• 

  ME PC VT1000A Home PC from US$570;
  ~$1070 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 Aspiring Creative
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1/5
  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  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$562.45 from Memory Express (Built to Order) as of 2019-06-24 11:12:18, 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 590 Desktop PC from US$35025%, Best price yet!
  ~$740 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

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	3/5
  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	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1/5
  Power	0.5/5
  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

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Video Games

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A12-9700

  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$342.03

  • US$342.03 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-06-25 09:46:53, EDT
  • US$380.03 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-06-25 09:16:03, 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$460;
  ~$890 with accessories

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

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Aspiring Creative
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2/5
  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  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$456.04 from Staples (New) as of 2019-06-26 07:19:47, 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. ×
• 

  Dell Inspiron 15" Laptop (touch) from US$5308% cheaper than usual
  ~$780 with accessories

  Balancing horsepower, a crisp and roomy touchscreen and cost-efficiency; this laptop is a good fit for productivity and multitasking.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Aspiring Creative
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

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

  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.

  performance in Video Games

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8250U

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 37.85 x 25.81 x 2.26 cm

  Weight: 2.170 kg

  detailed info

  from US$524.45

  • US$524.45 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-06-25 08:44:17, EDT
  • US$550.3 from Microsoft (New)
    as of 2019-06-26 07:20:26, EDT
  • US$608.06 from Dell (New)
    as of 2019-06-26 07:21:30, EDT
  • US$773.45 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-06-25 12:01:18, 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. ×
• 

  Dell Inspiron 15" Laptop from US$540;
  ~$790 with accessories

  Balancing horsepower, a crisp and roomy display and cost-efficiency; this laptop is a good fit for productivity and multitasking.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Aspiring Creative
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

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

  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.

  performance in Video Games

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8250U

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 37.85 x 25.81 x 2.26 cm

  Weight: 2.170 kg

  detailed info

  US$532.05 from Dell (New) as of 2019-06-25 07:51:19, 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 Dell site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Dell Inspiron 15" Gaming Laptop from US$690;
  ~$990 with accessories

  An affordable laptop for the roaming gamer and the creative.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Video Editor
  • the Graphic Designer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

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

  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-7300HQ

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 39.88 x 26.49 x 2.51 cm

  Weight: 2.570 kg

  detailed info

  from US$684.07

  • US$684.07 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-06-23 10:05:40, EDT
  • US$962.58 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-06-23 12:10:55, 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 15" Laptop from US$510;
  ~$755 with accessories

  This laptop offers a little extra but remains a cost-effective product. It's worth considering if you need a computer to handle a bit more than the basics.

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

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  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.

  performance in Video Games

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 2200U

  Graphics: AMD Radeon 530 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 37.60 x 24.60 x 2.25 cm

  Weight: 1.770 kg

  detailed info

  US$505.44 from Newegg (Refurbished) as of 2019-06-26 08:19:15, 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 Newegg 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: