Top Picks for the Casual Nomad

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$320 to US$490, 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.

• 

  Apple iPad 9.7 (early 2018) from US$290;
  ~$469 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	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  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: 0.47 kg

  detailed info

  from US$284.19

  • US$284.19 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 12:33:42, EDT
  • US$309.68 from Costco (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 12:32:56, EDT
  • US$321.68 from WestWorld Computers (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 12:35:42, EDT
  • US$321.68 from Apple (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 04:29:48, EDT
  • US$322.43 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 12:29:33, EDT
  • US$322.43 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 12:29:57, EDT
  • US$322.43 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 12:30:13, EDT
  • US$322.43 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 12:31:56, EDT
  • US$322.43 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 04:38:25, EDT
  • US$322.43 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 12:33:08, 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 from US$210;
  ~$360 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	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	1/5
  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

  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: 0.53 kg

  detailed info

  from US$202.45

  • US$202.45 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 06:00:50, EDT
  • US$202.45 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 06:05:41, EDT
  • US$202.45 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 06:06:12, EDT
  • US$202.45 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 11:35:24, EDT
  • US$202.45 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 11:40:33, EDT
  • US$202.45 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 06:01:15, EDT
  • US$202.45 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 11:36:50, EDT
  • US$202.45 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 11:40:50, EDT
  • US$216.7 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 04:38:17, EDT
  • US$305.95 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 11:42:50, 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$270;
  ~$438 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	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Tablets standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  1.5/5

  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: 1.30 kg

  detailed info

  from US$260.95

  • US$260.95 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 04:41:49, EDT
  • US$262.44 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-03-18 07:18:50, EDT
  • US$269.94 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-03-18 07:06:15, EDT
  • US$282.04 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-03-17 14:27:12, EDT
  • US$299.93 from Visions Electronics (New)
    as of 2019-03-15 10:02:05, 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$18018% cheaper than usual
  ~$320 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	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  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: 1.10 kg

  detailed info

  from US$172.46

  • US$172.46 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-03-18 12:02:04, EDT
  • US$187.45 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 04:33:40, EDT
  • US$209.2 from Costco (New)
    as of 2019-03-18 12:02:48, EDT
  • US$209.95 from Acer (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 12:59:53, EDT
  • US$218.96 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-03-18 12:02:58, EDT
  • US$218.96 from eBay (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 04:28:55, EDT
  • US$225.54 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-03-18 12:02:40, 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$21016%, Best price yet!
  ~$360 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	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  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	4.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by All Smart Devices 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	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: 1.95 kg

  detailed info

  US$202.45 from Staples (New) as of 2019-03-18 06:46:31, 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. ×
• 

  Acer 11" Chromebook from US$2107% cheaper than usual
  ~$368 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
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  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: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 29.40 x 20.40 x 1.87 cm

  Weight: 1.10 kg

  detailed info

  US$208.46 from Amazon (New) as of 2019-03-18 12:01:24, 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 Amazon site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook from US$30020%, Best price yet!
  ~$490 with accessories

  Not quite a convertible netbook, but this Chromebook can run Chrome OS, and Android (even Linux if you're comfortable trying beta features) and is quite versati... Read More about the C423NA-RH91T

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  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	2/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  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	1/5
  Portability	3/5
  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: Intel Pentium N4200

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 14"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 32.26 x 22.80 x 1.66 cm

  Weight: 1.20 kg

  detailed info

  US$299.93 from Staples (New) as of 2019-03-19 06:51:43, 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 Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Acer Chromebook Spin 11 from US$27017%, Best price yet!
  ~$440 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 Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

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

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  1.5/5

  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

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 29.60 x 20.60 x 2.09 cm

  Weight: 1.40 kg

  detailed info

  US$262.44 from Staples (New) as of 2019-03-18 07:09:37, 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 Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Asus 12" Ruggedized and Water Resistant Design Chromebook from US$2106% cheaper than usual
  ~$359 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 Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  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: 16.00 GB

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 29.46 x 20.07 x 2.29 cm

  Weight: 1.00 kg

  detailed info

  from US$201.71

  • US$201.71 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 04:51:29, EDT
  • US$201.71 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-03-17 15:03:02, EDT
  • US$224.95 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-03-19 04:41:07, EDT
  • US$229.29 from B&H (New)
    as of 2019-03-17 14:30:20, 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: