Top Picks for the Tinkerer

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$520 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$680;
  ~$1190 with accessories

  This desktop PC is well-suited for productivity and even a bit more; like creative experimentation for instance... Read More about the 595-p0049

  • 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	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  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: Intel Core i5-8400

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 630

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB + 128 GB (~1.13 TB)

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.15 kg

  detailed info

  US$674.85 from Best Buy (New) as of 2019-03-17 14:49:02, 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 Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  HP 8200 Elite from US$180;
  ~$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	2/5
  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	4.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  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

  0/5

  Does not meet software's minimum requirements

  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 US$172.46

  • US$172.46 from Amazon (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-03-17 14:46:41, EDT
  • US$187.45 from Staples (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-03-19 07:19:39, 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$660;
  ~$1166 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	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  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: 8.40 kg

  detailed info

  US$656.71 from Amazon (New) as of 2019-03-19 12:40:58, 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 Amazon site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  MSI Trident 3 Compact Gaming PC from US$670;
  ~$1180 with accessories

  This tiny gaming desktop offers silent operation in small spaces such as the living room's media center. Performances are up there thanks to latest-generation v... Read More about the VR7RC-020US

  • the Serious Gamer
  • 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
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	4/5
  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	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-7400

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 12.70 x 23.50 x 34.10 cm

  Weight: 6.30 kg

  detailed info

  US$667.35 from Newegg (Refurbished) as of 2019-03-18 07:15:50, 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. ×
• 

  ME PC VT1000A Home PC from US$570;
  ~$1080 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	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  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	3.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  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: 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: 10.00 kg

  detailed info

  US$562.38 from Memory Express (Built to Order) as of 2019-03-19 12:20:50, 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 Desktop PC from US$4004% cheaper than usual
  ~$820 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	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	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

  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: 5.15 kg

  detailed info

  US$397.41 from Staples (New) as of 2019-03-19 06:47:37, 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 M32BF Tower Computer from US$380;
  ~$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 Graphic Designer
  • 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	4/5
  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	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  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 A10-7800

  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

  US$374.92 from Newegg (New) as of 2019-03-19 06:19:28, 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 Newegg site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Dell Inspiron 15" 3000 Series Touch from US$420;
  ~$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 Casual Worker
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Portable Laptops standards

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

  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: 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

  US$412.41 from Best Buy (Open Box) as of 2019-03-19 06:49:18, 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 Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Dell Inspiron 15" Laptop from US$530;
  ~$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
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

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

  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: 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

  US$524.89 from Dell (New) as of 2019-03-18 11:48:19, 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. ×

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: