With the ability to solve math equations and convert typed text into your own handwriting, Apple’s iPads are going to become a lot more student-friendly when iPadOS 18 launches in the fall. However, if you want something dedicated to studying or reading, I personally think an e-reader with note-taking capabilities like the Kindle Scribe is a better choice. And right now, it’s on sale for an all-time low at Amazon and Target, where you can buy the Scribe with a Basic Pen for $239.99 ($100 off) or a Premium Pen for $264.99 ($105 off).

In my experience, hybrid devices like the Kindle Scribe offer fewer distractions than your typical tablet, allowing you to focus better on the task at hand. As an e-reader, the Scribe also lasts about a month on a single charge, and its soothing light is easier on the eyes without sacrificing readability thanks to its sharp, 10.2-inch screen.

Aside from just being a good large-screen ebook reader, the Scribe has also come a long way as a note-taking device since it launched in 2022. It can convert handwriting into typed text, for instance, and now allows you to write directly on pages of select titles. The built-in notebooks also offer more organizational tools and a better selection of pen styles. I still think the Kobo Elipsa 2E is the more intuitive and capable device — it can even solve math equations — but the Scribe is still worth a look if you’re already embedded in Amazon’s ecosystem.

Read our Kindle Scribe review.

A few more ways to save

• Right now, the JBL Authentics 200 is available at a new all-time low of $249.95 ($100 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Unlike many other smart speakers on the market, the 70-style smart speaker lets you invoke both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa at the same time. It’s not technically a portable speaker in the traditional sense — it doesn’t offer a built-in battery like the midrange Authentics 300 — but it’s still relatively travel-friendly and delivers good sound for its size. Read our hands-on impressions.
• The Chipolo Card Spot is on sale at Best Buy for $19.99 ($15 off), which is one of its lowest prices to date. If you’re looking for a slim AirTag alternative and don’t mind that it isn’t compatible with Android, the card-shaped Bluetooth tracker is a good option. It isn’t as accurate as the AirTag, but it does work with Apple’s vast Find My network and does an otherwise good job of keeping tabs on your personal belongings. Read our review.
• Amazon’s latest Echo Buds are matching their all-time low of $34.99 ($15 off) at Amazon. The Alexa-enabled earbuds may not offer noise cancellation like their predecessor, but they do sport a comfortable semi-open design that makes it easier to hear your surroundings.
• The M2-powered Mac Mini is on sale for $479 ($120 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo with an eight-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD of storage. If you’re looking for a desktop machine for general use, Apple’s entry-level Mini is a great performer with support for Wi-Fi 6E and a good port selection that includes two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a headphone jack, and HDMI 2.0 output. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll have to supply your own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Read our review.