Top Picks for the Casual Nomad

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$0 to US$870, 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 ($775 - $1000)

  

  Dell Inspiron 5502 15-inch Laptop from US$640;
  ~$0 with accessories

  This Laptop excels with even the most hardcore productivity tasks while remaining relatively easy to carry. It even has a few attractive features, such as Gigab... Read More about the ni155000t_sb_5013dbe

  • the Road Warrior
  • the Tinkerer
  • the Aspiring Creative
  • the Multitasker
  • the Media Consumer
  • the Audio Editor

  Device Ratings

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7

  Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 256.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 35.61 x 23.45 x 1.79 cm

  Weight: 1.714 kg

  detailed info

  US$631.27 from Dell (Canada) (New) as of 2021-01-22 03:20:26, 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 Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  HP x360 14-inch Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook from US$4808%, Best price yet!
  ~$620 with accessories

  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Aspiring Creative
  • the Multitasker
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	4.5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	4.5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  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 Core i3-10110U

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 128.00 GB

  Screen Size: 14"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 32.15 x 20.60 x 1.79 cm

  Weight: 1.650 kg

  detailed info

  from US$473.45

  • US$473.45 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2021-01-22 04:10:17, EST
  • US$473.45 from The Source (New)
    as of 2021-01-22 03:35:15, EST
  • US$631.27 from HP (New)
    as of 2021-01-19 23:22:03, 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 retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #1, Laptops ($550 - $775)

  

  Dell Inspiron 5502 15-inch Laptop from US$480;
  ~$620 with accessories

  This Laptop excels at cost-effective productivity while remaining relatively easy to carry. And while it's not the most powerful or most versatile out there, it... Read More about the ni155000t_5019pe

  • the Road Warrior
  • the Tinkerer
  • the Aspiring Creative
  • the Multitasker
  • the Media Consumer
  • the Audio Editor

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Laptops standards

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

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 128.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 35.61 x 23.45 x 1.79 cm

  Weight: 1.714 kg

  detailed info

  US$473.45 from Dell (Canada) (New) as of 2021-01-22 03:20:20, 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 Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #3, Laptops ($775 - $1000)

  

  Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14-inch 2-in-1 Laptop from US$680;
  ~$870 with accessories

  This versatile convertible Laptop is well-suited for everyday productivity tasks, with the attractive option to fold into a tablet for those times where a keybo... Read More about the 82HS000DCF

  • the Road Warrior
  • the Aspiring Creative
  • the Multitasker
  • the Media Consumer
  • the Audio Editor

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Portable Laptops standards

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

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7

  Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 512.00 GB

  Screen Size: 14"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 32.15 x 21.75 x 2.04 cm

  Weight: 1.500 kg

  detailed info

  US$670.73 from Best Buy (New) as of 2021-01-21 13:44:20, 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. ×
• #1, Tablets (under $400)

  

  Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook from US$24014%, Best price yet!
  ~$350 with accessories

  This affordable tablet has a lot to offer, with a full-featured web browser, access to the Android App Store. Thanks to the bundled cover, it's also slightly be... Read More about the ZA6F0008CA

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

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	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: MediaTek Helio P60T

  Graphics: ARM Mali-G72

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 128.00 GB

  Screen Size: 10.1"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1200

  Dimensions: 23.98 x 15.98 x 0.74 cm

  Weight: 0.449 kg

  detailed info

  from US$236.72

  • US$236.72 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2021-01-21 11:20:56, EST
  • US$276.18 from Staples (New)
    as of 2021-01-21 11:19:34, EST
  • US$291.96 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2021-01-21 05:48:39, 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. ×
• #2, Laptops (under $550)

  

  Acer Spin 11-inch Convertible Chromebook from US$360;
  ~$468 with accessories

  This versatile Chromebook offers a great experience for the price and is a compelling option if you can`t quite decide between getting a netbook or a tablet and... Read More about the CP311-3H-K9K9

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

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by Tablets standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

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

  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	4.5/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	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: MediaTek MT8183

  Graphics: ARM Mali-G72

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 64.00 GB

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 29.00 x 20.60 x 1.88 cm

  Weight: 1.200 kg

  detailed info

  US$355.09 from Best Buy (New) as of 2021-01-20 05:59:11, 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. ×
• #6, Laptops ($550 - $775)

  

  Asus Chromebook Flip C434 from US$520;
  ~$699 with accessories

  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 this one... Read More about the C434TA-DSM4T

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

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Tablets standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  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	4/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  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 Core m3-8100Y

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 64.00 GB

  Screen Size: 14"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 32.10 x 20.20 x 1.57 cm

  Weight: 1.450 kg

  detailed info

  from US$512.91

  • US$512.91 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2021-01-19 23:30:45, EST
  • US$535.8 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2021-01-21 04:43:21, EST
  • US$550.79 from Visions Electronics (New)
    as of 2021-01-20 03:53:56, EST
  • US$551.58 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2021-01-20 05:25:53, EST
  • US$552.36 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2021-01-19 05:48:54, EST
  • US$552.36 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2021-01-21 11:40:22, EST
  • US$552.36 from Memory Express (New)
    as of 2021-01-22 04:04:32, 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. ×
• #6, Laptops (under $550)

  

  Asus Flip C234MA 2-in-1 Chromebook from US$28015%, Best price yet!
  ~$368 with accessories

  This Chromebook is a compelling solution for anyone looking for affordable connectivity around the house, school, the office, the coffee shop, or anywhere WiFi... Read More about the C234MA-BB01T-CB

  • 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	4.5/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by Tablets standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  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 N4020

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 64.00 GB

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 29.20 x 19.90 x 2.01 cm

  Weight: 1.200 kg

  detailed info

  US$276.18 from Best Buy (New) as of 2021-01-22 04:47:44, 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. ×
• #1, Tablets ($400 - ∞)

  

  Apple iPad mini (2019) from US$420;
  ~$620 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 Casual Nomad
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
  Power	4.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Small Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1/5
  Power	5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	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 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$418.22

  • US$418.22 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2021-01-20 14:23:37, EST
  • US$418.22 from Staples (New)
    as of 2021-01-21 12:14:49, 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. ×

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: