Top Picks for the Casual Nomad

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$290 to US$739, 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.

• #1, Tablets ($400 - $725)

  

  Apple iPad mini (2019) from US$35010%, 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 Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Small Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  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$340.13

  • US$340.13 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 11:00:54, EDT
  • US$378.01 from Apple (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 03:33:59, EDT
  • US$378.71 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 05:47:27, EDT
  • US$378.71 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 10:59:21, EDT
  • US$378.71 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 10:59:43, EDT
  • US$473.39 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 04:46:14, 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. ×
• #2, Tablets ($400 - $725)

  

  Apple iPad 10.2 (7th gen, 2019) from US$310;
  ~$519 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 Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Large Tablets standards

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

  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: 3.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 10.2"

  Screen Resolution: 2160×1620

  Dimensions: 24.00 x 16.95 x 0.75 cm

  Weight: 0.470 kg

  detailed info

  from US$306.55

  • US$306.55 from Apple (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 03:33:02, EDT
  • US$307.26 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 10:08:18, EDT
  • US$307.26 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 10:08:58, EDT
  • US$307.26 from The Source (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 04:44:38, EDT
  • US$307.26 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 09:41:06, 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. ×
• #3, Tablets ($725 - $1475)

  

  Apple iPad Air (2019) from US$470;
  ~$739 with accessories

  Not to be confused with the 2013 iPad of the same name, the 2019 model upgrades the "main" iPad line (i.e. not the Mini and not the Pro), but sadly, we... Read More about the

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

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  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: 10.5"

  Screen Resolution: 2224×1668

  Dimensions: 25.06 x 17.41 x 0.61 cm

  Weight: 0.456 kg

  detailed info

  from US$463.75

  • US$463.75 from Apple (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 03:30:10, EDT
  • US$464.46 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 07:01:51, EDT
  • US$464.46 from The Source (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 13:52:16, EDT
  • US$464.46 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 10:26:43, 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. ×
• #3, Tablets ($400 - $725)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) from US$290;
  ~$490 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 Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  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: 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

  US$285.82 from Visions Electronics (New) as of 2020-05-23 06:01:46, 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 Visions Electronics site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #4, Tablets (under $400)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019, 32GB) from US$220;
  ~$388 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 Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  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: 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$212.93

  • US$212.93 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 03:32:53, EDT
  • US$214.36 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 10:04:34, EDT
  • US$214.36 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 09:18:32, EDT
  • US$214.36 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 05:55:47, EDT
  • US$214.36 from The Source (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 05:04:58, EDT
  • US$214.36 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 06:22:17, 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. ×
• #4, Tablets ($400 - $725)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019, 128GB) from US$330;
  ~$540 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 Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  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: 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$321.55

  • US$321.55 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 09:27:14, EDT
  • US$321.55 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 12:10:25, 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. ×
• #2, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook from US$20023% cheaper than usual
  ~$290 with accessories

  This Chromebook can run Chrome OS, and Android (even Linux if you're comfortable trying beta features) and is quite versatile for the price.

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  1.5/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Celeron N3350

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 14"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 32.26 x 22.86 x 1.52 cm

  Weight: 1.400 kg

  detailed info

  US$192.93 from The Source (New) as of 2020-05-24 04:37:49, 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 The Source site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #5, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Asus 12" Ruggedized and Water Resistant Design Chromebook from US$200;
  ~$297 with accessories

  Built to stand to abuse, this Chromebook is well suited to children and anyone needing simple mobile computing on their adventure, even when they get messy.

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0/5
  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

  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: 29.46 x 20.07 x 2.29 cm

  Weight: 1.000 kg

  detailed info

  from US$199.36

  • US$199.36 from Canada Computers (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 05:34:43, EDT
  • US$369.42 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 05:46:38, 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. ×
• #9, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Acer Chromebook Spin 11 from US$280;
  ~$438 with accessories

  Here's a rugged convertible Chromebook which, unlike some of its competitors can take photos (not selfies) in tablet mode.

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	0/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  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 N3350

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 29.60 x 20.60 x 2.09 cm

  Weight: 1.400 kg

  detailed info

  from US$270.81

  • US$270.81 from Newegg (Refurbished)
    as of 2020-05-24 08:00:31, EDT
  • US$300.11 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 12:32:46, EDT
  • US$300.11 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 05:44:20, 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. ×

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: