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The 24 best early Amazon Black Friday deals
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The 24 best early Amazon Black Friday deals

Our choice for the best MacBook, the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air (2022).
Dave Gershgorn/NYT wire cutter

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022, 13-inch, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) – Top Picks
Amazon deal price: $750 with coupon clipped out on page in taupe or gray; street price: $900

What we like: Our top MacBook pick. Compared to previous generations, it has a brighter screen, a better webcam, a MagSafe magnetic port, and other design updates that make for an overall better experience. Great option for performing daily work tasks, browsing, streaming media and playing App Store games.

Other things to know: We think the cheaper M2-based model is a better buy than the newer M3 MacBook, unless you want to use dual monitors. Not ideal for long-term editing or processing of large media files. Comes with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Cut out a coupon on the page.

Read more: The best MacBooks

Apple MacBook Air (M3, 2024, 13 inches, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) – worth considering
Amazon deal price: $1,050 in taupe (other colors delayed); street price: $1,330

What we like: Another MacBook worth considering if you need to use two external monitors. A great laptop with a fast new processor. The M3 model is around 20% faster and brings a range of improvements to the chip’s GPU and AI processing power.

Other things to know: The cheaper M2 MacBook Air is enough for most people. Specifications include a 13-inch screen, M3 processor, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. Only available in Starlight color; other options have delayed shipping until 2025.

Read more: The best MacBooks

Apple iPad Air (11-inch, M2, 128 GB) – Upgrade choice
Amazon deal price: $500 in blue; street price: $570

What we like: Our upgrade pick for the best tablet. Fast performance with the M2 processor and more base storage. Offers an LCD screen with a resolution of 2360×1640, which produces bright colors and sharp images. Clear improvements over the base iPad without costing as much as an iPad Pro.

Other things to know: 128 GB internal storage. Doesn’t have the iPad Pro’s 120Hz OLED screen, FaceID, and a few other features. Compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio.

Read more: The iPad is the best tablet

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 tablet (256 GB) – Upgrade choice
Amazon deal price: $620 in beige; street price: $770

What we like: Our upgrade pick for the best Android tablet offers the best Android experience. The 11-inch OLED screen is sharper and brighter than that of our top pick. Fast Qualcomm processor ensures fast performance and supports the best multitasking features we’ve seen yet.

Other things to know: Water resistant, which is unusual for tablets. 256 GB of internal memory, plus a microSD slot. Promised updates through 2028. USB-C cable and S Pen stylus included, but charger not in the box. Available in beige.

Read more: The best Android tablets

Apple AirTag Bluetooth Tracker – Top Pick
Amazon deal price: $20; street price: $28
Apple AirTag Bluetooth Tracker (4-Pack) – Top Pick
Amazon deal price: $73; street price: $100

What we like: Our pick for the best Bluetooth tracker for iOS users uses Apple’s vast network of devices to find lost goods. Impressively accurate. Replaceable button cell battery. If you lose an AirTag (or an item containing or attached to one), you can use the Find My app to view its location or ask Siri to activate an audio alert.

Other things to know: There is no way to make your phone ring. No built-in method to attach to anything. The four-pack usually offers a better price per tracker, but if you only need one, the one-pack is a good value.

Read more: The best Bluetooth tracker