Top Picks for the Tinkerer

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from $520 to $990, 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 8200 Elite from $2103%, Best price yet!
  ~$520 with accessories

  An older computer, it's been refurbished with the latest version of windows and still has a lot to offer if you do not need the latest, greatest thing. It's a w... Read More about the 211204MB

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

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Compact Towers standards

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

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-2400S

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 2000

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 512.00 GB

  Dimensions: 10.03 x 33.78 x 37.85 cm

  Weight: 8.50 kg

  detailed info

  from $209.00

  • $209.00 from Amazon (Refurbished)
    as of 2018-11-16 16:53:53, EST
  • $249.99 from Staples (Refurbished)
    as of 2018-11-16 06:23:32, EST

  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 $7007% cheaper than usual
  ~$990 with accessories

  Here's a cost-efficient desktop computer which will excel at productivity tasks and will let you explore quite a few creative avenues.

  • 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 Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  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	3/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

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

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-7400

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 630

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 16.31 x 39.50 x 30.71 cm

  Weight: 5.70 kg

  detailed info

  $699.97 from Staples (New) as of 2018-11-16 06:51:43, EST

  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. ×
• 

  HP 8200 Elite from $310;
  ~$619 with accessories

  An older computer, this refurbished PC has been updated to the latest version of windows and still has a lot to offer if you do not need the latest, greatest th... Read More about the HP Elite 8200

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Multitasker
  • the Casual Worker
  • 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
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-2400S

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 2000

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 10.03 x 33.78 x 37.85 cm

  Weight: 8.50 kg

  detailed info

  from $309.00

  • $309.00 from Best Buy (Refurbished)
    as of 2018-11-15 13:04:41, EST
  • $348.99 from Amazon (Refurbished)
    as of 2018-11-16 05:18:19, EST

  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 $600;
  ~$890 with accessories

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

  • the Tinkerer
  • 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
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  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: 5.15 kg

  detailed info

  $599.99 from Best Buy (New) as of 2018-11-15 13:18:03, EST

  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. ×
• 

  Asus M32BF Tower Computer from $500;
  ~$790 with accessories

  A great computer for productivity and a little more. Not a bad product if you don't have any great plans for your computer but don't want to be too restricted.

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

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A10-7800

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 2 TB

  Dimensions: 17.52 x 37.99 x 40.84 cm

  Weight: 8.26 kg

  detailed info

  $499.99 from Newegg (New) as of 2018-11-16 10:15:52, EST

  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. ×
• 

  Dell Inspiron 15" 3000 Series Touch from $550;
  ~$640 with accessories

  A cost-efficient laptop built to handle "the usual." An option worth considering, especially if waiting for stuff to load is an acceptable compromise for you, a... Read More about the i3567-3408BLK-PCA

  • the Tinkerer
  • 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	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i3-7130U

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 37.85 x 25.91 x 2.36 cm

  Weight: 2.20 kg

  detailed info

  $549.99 from Best Buy (Open Box) as of 2018-11-16 09:55:37, EST

  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. ×
• 

  HP Pavilion 590 Desktop PC from $700;
  ~$990 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	1/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  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	0.5/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  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: 5.15 kg

  detailed info

  $699.99 from Best Buy (New) as of 2018-11-16 06:10:57, EST

  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. ×
• 

  Asus M32BF Tower Computer from $690;
  ~$972 with accessories

  A great computer for productivity and even more creative tasks.

  • the Tinkerer
  • 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	2/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4/5
  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	1.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A10-7800

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 17.53 x 40.89 x 38.10 cm

  Weight: 8.30 kg

  detailed info

  $681.43 from Newegg (Refurbished) as of 2018-11-16 09:58:26, EST

  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. ×
• 

  Dell Inspiron 15" Laptop from $7504% cheaper than usual
  ~$930 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 Video Editor
  • 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	3/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Portable Laptops standards

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

  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: 2.17 kg

  detailed info

  from $749.00

  • $749.00 from Microsoft (New)
    as of 2018-11-15 13:53:58, EST
  • $929.99 from Dell (New)
    as of 2018-11-14 06:55:01, EST

  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. ×

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: