Best budget tech items for the holiday
Amazon Echo Dot (2nd Generation)
Cnet rating: 5 stars out of 5 The good: The second-generation, mini Echo Dot smart speaker is just as smart as the first at nearly half the cost, and it’s better at hearing you, too. It’s also the only Echo product you can connect to an existing audio setup. The bad:Echo products still can’t offer audio that syncs across devices in more than one room. The cost: $50 The bottom line: The new and improved Dot takes Amazon’s best-inclass smart home speaker and wraps it in an ultra-affordable package.
Roku Premiere+
Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 The good: The Roku can access more TV shows and movies in 4K and HDR than most rivals. It has better features for the money than Roku’s other 4K streamers, and unlike the Chromecast Ultra, it actually includes a remote (and an Amazon Video app). Roku’s system offers more apps, better search and more customization than any other.
The bad: Content in 4K and HDR is still uncommon, and your HDR TV probably already has compatible apps. Unlike some of those TVs, Premiere+ doesn’t work with Dolby Vision HDR. There’s no voice capability on the remote. Some app interfaces are less polished than on rival devices.
The cost: $98 The bottom line: For 4K HDR TV owners fed up with using built-in smart TV apps, the Roku is the top pick.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2015)
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: Amazon has improved on its excellent e-reader with the sharper, higher-resolution screen found in the Kindle Voyage. A smattering of new features enhance Amazon’s already best-in-class content. The built-in light isn’t quite as good as the Voyage’s, but it works well.
The bad: The HD screen is an upgrade, but doesn’t make a huge difference; an AC adapter isn’t included (just a Micro-USB cable for charging). The ad-free version costs $20 more. The cost: $100 to $150
The bottom line: The Kindle Paperwhite gets an HD screen, and while it isn’t as big an upgrade as you’d think, it’s a welcome addition, incrementally enhancing the reading experience.
UE Roll 2
Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: The Roll 2 is a compact, waterproof Bluetooth speaker with a unique design, very good sound for its size, and decent battery life. It has an integrated bungee cord and an included inflatable ring that allows it to float in water. The new version has better wireless range and plays a little louder.
The bad: It has no speakerphone capabilities. The cost: $95 to $100 The bottom line: While this may not seem like much of an upgrade over the original, the UE Roll 2 is a better speaker and clearly one of the top mini Bluetooth speakers on the market.