I've found the best method is to write your default CSS for the older browsers, as older browsers including i.e. 5.5, 6, 7 and 8. Can't read @media. When I use @media I use it like this:
<style type="text/css">
/* default styles here for older browsers.
I tend to go for a 600px - 960px width max but using percentages
*/
@media only screen and (min-width: 960px) {
/* styles for browsers larger than 960px; */
}
@media only screen and (min-width: 1440px) {
/* styles for browsers larger than 1440px; */
}
@media only screen and (min-width: 2000px) {
/* for sumo sized (mac) screens */
}
@media only screen and (max-device-width: 480px) {
/* styles for mobile browsers smaller than 480px; (iPhone) */
}
@media only screen and (device-width: 768px) {
/* default iPad screens */
}
/* different techniques for iPad screening */
@media only screen and (min-device-width: 481px) and (max-device-width: 1024px) and (orientation:portrait) {
/* For portrait layouts only */
}
@media only screen and (min-device-width: 481px) and (max-device-width: 1024px) and (orientation:landscape) {
/* For landscape layouts only */
}
</style>
But you can do whatever you like with your @media, This is just an example of what I've found best for me when building styles for all browsers.
Also! If you're looking for printability you can use @media print{}