I would stick with 4th Gen Echo Dot with 2 tweeters or a bigger 5th Gen Echo Dot if buying now and you just want small speakers that respond to Alexa. @Froodyfrog may be able to tell if 3rd Gen Echo Dot will meet your audio needs.
Echo Studio if you have the funds for better audio (Sonos is likely even better audio and could be paired with a dot).
Echo Show 10 2nd (here) or 3rd Gen (Amazon) if you want voice activated Pod casts and to see Amazon Video, NetFlix, or Hulu in your kitchen. It is not a tablet nor intended as one. It cannot side load nor run 99% of Appstore apps. You can view Amazon cameras like Blink feeds. Audio is good; not great. Video is a huge plus in my personal choice.
A lot of useful information. Seems my first one was an Echo Dot 3rd generation (puck). It is at least good enough for my use. All newer seem to be at least this good, so I should be happy with anything after.
Aside from screen size, are there major differences between them? I want to slowly introduce my mother (diagnosed with Alzheimers) to a smart home for her safety (I live with her, but work from home and can’t keep an eye on her constantly). I figured she would respond better to a “show” in the bedroom than to a camera, though that’s one reason I want it there.
I have a blink doorbell to install, and several indoor and outdoor cameras to add slowly. She has trouble with touch screens responding to her fingers and can’t work either of the different types of phones we’ve tried. Can you connect a phone account? i.e. would a Show provide a way to text with her out-of-state brother, or would they have to Skype? Or could Alexa call him?
You need a smart phone to set up the device and select which “Skills” it uses. It does not use the app store but you can select “skills” such has view cameras or play pod casts or play feeds that might entertain your Mother. You can in fact it is designed to respond to voice. So it may be good to link with phone and then call her out of state brother with a video call. Camera can be turned off. Keeping her connected and oriented to place and time with subtle for her but nagging for you date, time, and events of the day may be ideal for her !!
It is not entirely intuitive especially since the used units do not come with good setup instructions. But you can get what you need via web and Youtubes quickly. This size would be best for her, is very stable on a counter, and is economical enough if she or you do not use it for more than seeing who is at the door. Calling her brother if he has a similar unit might be pleasant.