Laptops for the Casual Worker
Laptops are the kings of versatility. Fully-featured to handle the same tasks as full-sized computers and yet small enough to carry around.
To achieve this, several compromises had to be made. You usually get less for your money with a laptop but if you need to work out of the house, a laptop is your best bet.
Asus VivoBook 15 M515 (M515DA-BS31-CB)
ranked #10 among Laptops priced $325-875
This laptop won't break any speed records, but it's a cost-effective solution to handle everyday homework and going online.
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows
Screen
15", 1366×798(1366 × 798, 1.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
AMD Ryzen 3 3250U
GPU
AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics
Memory
8 GB
Storage
512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)
Pricing
Asus L410 14-inch NetBook (L410MA-SH01-CB)
ranked #10 among Laptops priced under $325
This laptop is all about cost-effectiveness, and if you're strapped for cash, it could be a compelling option, especially if you're a patient person c
Who it's For
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows
Screen
14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N4020
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing
HP 14-inch (14-fq0008ca)
ranked #9 among Laptops priced $325-875
This laptop is as modest as it gets, but if you need more versatility than a Chromebook can offer, this could be worth a look.
Luckily, this laptop
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
AMD 3020e
GPU
AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing
Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (C523NA-BS01-CB)
ranked #9 among Laptops priced under $325
With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model could be of interest if you care less about portability than having space to work. This co
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
15", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N3350
GPU
Intel HD Graphics 505
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing
Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch) (C523NA-DH02)
ranked #8 among Laptops priced under $325
With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model trades some of its portability to give the user a larger picture to work with (but not nec
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
15", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N3350
GPU
Intel HD Graphics 500
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing
Acer 14-inch Chromebook 314 (CB314-1H-C1S4)
ranked #8 among Laptops priced $325-875
This Chromebook has a larger screen, helping readability without compromising ease of transportation too much.
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
14", 1366×786(1366 × 786, 1.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N4000
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing
Lenovo S330 14-inch Chromebook - Business Black (81JW000KCF)
ranked #7 among Laptops priced under $325
Chromebooks can be a cost-effective way to stay connected away from the desk when you need a full keyboard, and this specific model is an excellent ex
Who it's For
- Casual Nomad
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
MediaTek MT8173C
GPU
ARM PowerVR GX6250
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing
Google Pixelbook Go (GA00519-US)
ranked #13 among Laptops priced over $875
This premium Chromebook comes with a few extras like an FHD touchscreen, extended battery life and some additional horsepower.
Who it's For
- Casual Nomad
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
13", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen
CPU
Intel Core m3-8100Y
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 615
Memory
8 GB
Storage
64 GB total
Pricing
Samsung Galaxy Book S (NP767XCM-K01CA)
ranked #12 among Laptops priced over $875
With a focus on ease of transportation and battery autonomy, this laptop is an excellent travel companion, even if you need to remain productive away
Who it's For
- Road Warrior
- Aspiring Creative
- Multitasker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows
Screen
13", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Touch Screen
CPU
Intel Core i5-L16G7
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics
Memory
8 GB
Storage
256 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)
Pricing
HP 14in Chromebook (14a-NA0010ca)
ranked #5 among Laptops priced under $325
This Chromebook offers a pretty compelling solution if you're looking to handle everyday communication and connectivity away from your main rig.
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support, VA or SVA Display
CPU
Intel Celeron N4000
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, eMMC Storage (slow), Micro SD Storage Expansion
Pricing
Asus Flip C234MA 2-in-1 Chromebook (C234MA-BB01T-CB)
ranked #4 among Laptops priced under $325
This Chromebook is a compelling solution for anyone looking for affordable connectivity around the house, school, the office, the coffee shop, or anyw
Who it's For
- Casual Nomad
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
12", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP)
CPU
Intel Celeron N4020
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing
HP 14-inch Laptop (14-dq2088ca)
ranked #7 among Laptops priced $325-875
If you need a laptop to handle simple homework efficiently without breaking the bank, this model could be the answer.
Who it's For
- Casual Nomad
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Core i3-1115G4
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics
Memory
8 GB
Storage
512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)
Pricing
Asus ZenBook 14-inch Laptop (UM431DA-BH51-CB)
ranked #6 among Laptops priced $325-875
This premium-looking laptop is a solid choice for productivity on the go and thanks to its small size and plentiful ports, it gives you plenty of opti
Who it's For
- Aspiring Creative
- Multitasker
- Productivity-Focused User
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows
Screen
14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
GPU
AMD Radeon Vega 8 Mobile
Memory
8 GB
Storage
512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)
Pricing
Lenovo 14-inch Touchscreen Chromebook (82C10007US)
ranked #5 among Laptops priced $325-875
This serious-looking Chromebook is a bit larger, making things a bit easier to read while sacrificing some battery autonomy.
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen
CPU
Intel Celeron N4020
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 12-inch Touchscreen Laptop (THH-00001)
ranked #11 among Laptops priced over $875
A Surface device designed to be (relatively) affordable, this laptop by Microsoft can handle everyday tasks in style.
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows
Screen
12", 1536×1024(1536 × 1024, 1.6MP), Touch Screen
CPU
Intel Core i5-1035G1
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics
Memory
8 GB, Dual-Channel
Storage
128 GB total, Solid State (very fast)
Pricing
Acer Chromebook 311 (CB311-9H-C29L)
ranked #3 among Laptops priced under $325
Chromebooks excel as easy-to-carry travel companions for those of us who need to remain connected on the go, and this model is no exception. A USB-C d
Who it's For
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
12", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N4000
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader
Pricing
Lenovo 14-inch IdeaPad 3 Chromebook (82KN0002CF)
ranked #2 among Laptops priced under $325
Even by Chromebook standards, this netbook is a bit humble, but it's a cost-efficient solution for everyday needs.
A few characteristics could impe
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
MediaTek MT8183
GPU
ARM Mali-G72
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing
Asus Chromebook Flip C434 (C434TA-DSM4T)
ranked #4 among Laptops priced $325-875
Chromebooks can be quite versatile, but the most affordable models can come a little short for more advanced users. By investing more in a model like
Who it's For
- Casual Nomad
- Multitasker
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Screen
14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen
CPU
Intel Core m3-8100Y
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 615
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader
Pricing
Asus ExpertBook P1 15-inch professional laptop (P1510CJA-C71P-CA)
ranked #10 among Laptops priced over $875
This laptop is a pretty compelling solution for productivity and has a few enterprise-class features.
A few things are missing to make me happy: a
Who it's For
- Serious Multitasker
- Graphic Designer
- Productivity-Focused User
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows
Screen
15", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Core i7-1065G7
GPU
Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Memory
12 GB
Storage
512 GB total, Media Card Reader, Solid State (very fast)
Pricing
Lenovo Ideapad Slim 7i (82A60015US)
ranked #9 among Laptops priced over $875
This laptop strikes a remarkable balance between power, ease of transportation and battery endurance. It even manages to pack a few attractive feature
Who it's For
- Road Warrior
- Aspiring Creative
- Multitasker
Compared Overall
| Bang for the Buck | |
|---|---|
| Versatility | |
| Power | |
| Storage Space | |
| Portability | |
| Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows
Screen
14", 1920×1080(FHD, 1080p, 2.1MP), IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen
CPU
Intel Core i5-1135G7
GPU
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Memory
8 GB, Dual-Channel
Storage
512 GB total, Media Card Reader