Top Picks for the Casual Nomad

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$218 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.

• #1, Laptops (under $300)

  

  Acer 11" Chromebook from US$140;
  ~$218 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 Casual Worker
  • 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	4/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4/5
  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$135.29

  • US$135.29 from Canada Computers (Refurbished)
    as of 2020-02-26 07:15:45, EST
  • US$150.33 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 13:58:33, EST
  • US$210.46 from The Source (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 04:24:15, EST

  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. ×
• #5, Tablets ($350 - $825)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) from US$310;
  ~$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
  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	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  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 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$300.66 from Visions Electronics (New) as of 2020-02-21 13:26:24, EST

  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. ×
• #3, Laptops (under $300)

  

  Acer 11" Chromebook from US$150;
  ~$288 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	3.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices 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

  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$149.58

  • US$149.58 from Canada Computers (Refurbished)
    as of 2020-02-26 06:23:48, EST
  • US$202.94 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2020-02-21 10:34:23, EST

  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. ×
• #7, Tablets ($350 - $825)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019, 32GB) from US$230;
  ~$387 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	4.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  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	2/5
  Portability	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: 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$223.24

  • US$223.24 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2020-02-21 10:25:47, EST
  • US$225.49 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-02-25 14:10:41, EST
  • US$225.49 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2020-02-25 13:43:39, EST
  • US$225.49 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-02-25 14:13:19, EST
  • US$225.49 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2020-02-21 10:25:32, EST
  • US$225.49 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2020-02-25 14:17:56, EST
  • US$225.49 from The Source (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 05:10:33, EST
  • US$225.49 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 13:52:18, EST

  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. ×
• #1, Laptops ($300 - $500)

  

  Acer 15" Chromebook from US$250;
  ~$340 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 Casual Worker
  • 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	1/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  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	2.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  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: 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

  from US$240.53

  • US$240.53 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 13:52:01, EST
  • US$252.36 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 05:27:00, EST

  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, Laptops (under $300)

  

  Asus 11-inch Chromebook - Grey from US$190;
  ~$268 with accessories

  This Chromebook is a cost-effective solution to your everyday needs, such as browsing the web, social media, etc. It even has quite a few productive application... Read More about the C223NA-BH01-CB

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

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  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	5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  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	4.5/5
  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: 28.60 x 19.90 x 1.73 cm

  Weight: 0.999 kg

  detailed info

  US$187.91 from Best Buy (New) as of 2020-02-26 09:16:38, EST

  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 Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #5, Laptops (under $300)

  

  Asus 12" Ruggedized and Water Resistant Design Chromebook from US$1908% cheaper than usual
  ~$265 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	0.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  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	3.5/5
  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$185.92

  • US$185.92 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2020-02-21 10:32:45, EST
  • US$202.2 from Canada Computers (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 05:05:51, EST
  • US$202.94 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2020-02-21 10:34:04, EST
  • US$206.69 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 08:42:40, EST
  • US$224 from Visions Electronics (New)
    as of 2020-02-21 10:33:26, EST
  • US$224.72 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 03:51:41, EST
  • US$224.75 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 04:49:53, EST
  • US$225.49 from The Source (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 04:10:23, EST
  • US$237.52 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 08:30:20, EST
  • US$263.48 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-02-26 08:29:22, EST

  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, Laptops ($300 - $500)

  

  Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook from US$290;
  ~$400 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 Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  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

  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: 1.200 kg

  detailed info

  US$285.63 from Staples (New) as of 2020-02-26 13:51:02, EST

  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. ×
• #5, Laptops ($300 - $500)

  

  Acer 14" Chromebook from US$24014% cheaper than usual
  ~$339 with accessories

  This is the laptop I've bought for myself. Capable of handling quite a bit of multitasking, it has a large screen, comfortable keyboard and lasts a while on a b... Read More about the CB3-431-C4VM

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Multitasker
  • 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	1/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  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: 14"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 34.11 x 23.65 x 1.70 cm

  Weight: 1.700 kg

  detailed info

  US$239.98 from eBay (New) as of 2020-02-26 04:07:03, EST

  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 eBay 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: