Top Picks for the Casual Nomad

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$269 to US$566, with accessories.

Let's start with a broad search. The following offer the best value for the lowest price regardless of format preference. As a result, you will most likely see stationary computers down here and maybe a few portable options. You have the option to look for a specific kind of device at the bottom of the page.

• 

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) from US$16025% cheaper than usual
  ~$290 with accessories

  A good android tablet if you're not looking for something especially powerful, but want a big screen and good battery autonomy.

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  2/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  2/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  Specs

  Processor: Samsung Exynos 7870

  Graphics: Samsung Mali T830

  Memory: 2.00 GB

  Storage: 16.00 GB

  Screen Size: 10.1"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1200

  Dimensions: 25.40 x 15.53 x 0.82 cm

  Weight: 0.530 kg

  detailed info

  from US$150.65

  • US$150.65 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 06:45:37, EDT
  • US$301.3 from Visions Electronics (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:44:37, EDT
  • US$301.3 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 03:30:41, EDT
  • US$301.3 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2019-08-16 01:47:17, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Acer 11.6" Convertible Chromebook from US$230;
  ~$390 with accessories

  It might not be the most capable laptop out there, but as a netbook or tablet, it's a great fit for casual use for a minimal investment... Read More about the CB5-132T-C7R5

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Celeron N3160

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 29.39 x 20.40 x 1.93 cm

  Weight: 1.300 kg

  detailed info

  from US$225.97

  • US$225.97 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-08-16 09:14:30, EDT
  • US$239.54 from Visions Electronics (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 11:51:51, EDT
  • US$263.63 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:05:39, EDT
  • US$263.63 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-08-16 00:32:06, EDT
  • US$263.64 from Acer (New)
    as of 2019-08-14 14:36:36, EDT
  • US$263.64 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-16 03:24:17, EDT
  • US$263.82 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 06:52:54, EDT
  • US$278.7 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 07:20:12, EDT
  • US$281.66 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-08-16 04:18:16, EDT
  • US$363.8 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:16:48, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Apple iPad mini (2019) from US$36010%, Best price yet!
  ~$566 with accessories

  As someone who's only ever used tablets with 8" screens and smaller, I can tell you smaller tablets have their perks. Sure, when you have a surface on which you... Read More about the

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Small Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  2/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  2/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  Specs

  Processor: Apple A12 Bionic

  Graphics: Apple A12 Graphics

  Memory: 3.00 GB

  Storage: 64.00 GB

  Screen Size: 7.9"

  Screen Resolution: 2048×1536

  Dimensions: 20.32 x 13.48 x 0.61 cm

  Weight: 0.301 kg

  detailed info

  from US$358.56

  • US$358.56 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 07:41:35, EDT
  • US$398.48 from Apple (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:06:43, EDT
  • US$399.22 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:45:27, EDT
  • US$399.22 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 03:49:24, EDT
  • US$399.22 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 05:13:02, EDT
  • US$517.59 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 05:58:53, EDT
  • US$524.27 from Bell (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:05:01, EDT
  • US$527.28 from Sasktel (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:07:37, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Apple iPad 9.7 (early 2018) from US$270;
  ~$436 with accessories

  The 2018 version of the iPad is almost identical to its predecessor but features slightly improved performance and now support the Apple Stylus, if desired.

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  2/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  2/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  Specs

  Processor: Apple A10

  Graphics: Apple A10 Graphics

  Memory: 2.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 9.7"

  Screen Resolution: 2048×1536

  Dimensions: 24.00 x 16.95 x 0.75 cm

  Weight: 0.470 kg

  detailed info

  from US$260.48

  • US$260.48 from eBay (Open Box)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:11:16, EDT
  • US$286.23 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 07:33:32, EDT
  • US$315.62 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 08:53:25, EDT
  • US$323.15 from WestWorld Computers (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:11:35, EDT
  • US$323.15 from Apple (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:11:25, EDT
  • US$323.9 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 09:07:28, EDT
  • US$323.9 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 09:08:17, EDT
  • US$323.9 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 09:08:58, EDT
  • US$323.9 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 06:08:44, EDT
  • US$323.9 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:42:27, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Acer 11" Chromebook from US$14055%, Best price yet!
  ~$269 with accessories

  A netbook well-suited to access the web simply and securely. If you mostly want a laptop to check your Emails, social media, and streaming videos, this is a cos... Read More about the CB3-132-C5GZ

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Celeron N3060

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 29.40 x 20.40 x 1.87 cm

  Weight: 1.100 kg

  detailed info

  from US$134.83

  • US$134.83 from Canada Computers (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-08-18 04:20:08, EDT
  • US$225.97 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-08-16 10:09:22, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Acer 11" Chromebook from US$14025% cheaper than usual
  ~$270 with accessories

  Designed to access the web simply and securely, it's an excellent fit as someone's 1st laptop or if your needs away from your desk are basic... Read More about the CB3-132-C6ZD

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Celeron N3060

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 16.00 GB

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 29.40 x 20.40 x 1.85 cm

  Weight: 1.100 kg

  detailed info

  from US$135.58

  • US$135.58 from Canada Computers (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-08-18 05:51:24, EDT
  • US$173.24 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 03:43:37, EDT
  • US$177 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 11:39:25, EDT
  • US$206.67 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 07:42:09, EDT
  • US$210.91 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 06:31:18, EDT
  • US$210.91 from Acer (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 11:38:54, EDT
  • US$218.09 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 06:43:41, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019, 32GB) from US$220;
  ~$370 with accessories

  Straddling the line between Affordable and Capable, this tablet does not have all the bells and whistles, but it makes for a compelling source of portable enter... Read More about the SM-T510NZKAXAC

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  2/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  2/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  Specs

  Processor: Samsung Exynos 7904

  Graphics: ARM Mali-G71

  Memory: 2.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 10.1"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1200

  Dimensions: 24.52 x 14.94 x 0.75 cm

  Weight: 0.469 kg

  detailed info

  from US$210.91

  • US$210.91 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-08-17 08:10:04, EDT
  • US$225.97 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 08:08:29, EDT
  • US$225.97 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 11:06:57, EDT
  • US$225.97 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 08:09:24, EDT
  • US$225.97 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 11:07:11, EDT
  • US$225.97 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 11:09:00, EDT
  • US$225.97 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 04:18:03, EDT
  • US$225.97 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 05:44:32, EDT
  • US$225.97 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 06:33:20, EDT
  • US$225.97 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 07:26:21, EDT
  • US$225.97 from Costco (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 11:09:52, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019, 128GB) from US$2708%, Best price yet!
  ~$440 with accessories

  Straddling the line between Affordable and Capable, this tablet does not have all the bells and whistles, but this variant comes with a lot more storage spa... Read More about the SM-T510NZKGXAC

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  2/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  2/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  Specs

  Processor: Samsung Exynos 7904

  Graphics: ARM Mali-G71

  Memory: 3.00 GB

  Storage: 128.00 GB

  Screen Size: 10.1"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1200

  Dimensions: 24.52 x 14.94 x 0.75 cm

  Weight: 0.469 kg

  detailed info

  from US$263.64

  • US$263.64 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-08-18 09:13:36, EDT
  • US$301.3 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 09:11:33, EDT
  • US$301.3 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 09:12:03, EDT
  • US$338.96 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2019-08-13 11:57:29, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Acer 15" Chromebook from US$250;
  ~$410 with accessories

  Chromebooks are well-suited to access the web simply and securely, it's an excellent fit as someone's 1st laptop, travel companion or if your needs away from yo... Read More about the CB3-532-C8QW

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Celeron N3060

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 38.30 x 25.60 x 2.41 cm

  Weight: 1.950 kg

  detailed info

  US$241.04 from Staples (New) as of 2019-08-16 03:48:24, EDT

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

Narrow down your search

Looking for a specific kind of device?

Looking for a laptop, tablet, smartphone or desktop computer specifically? Here are the product families in which we found options matching your needs: