Top Picks for the Casual Worker
When at the computer, you don't usually accomplish much. There are exceptions, however, and you occasionally have to work on a text document or organize your finances.
The following recommendations aren't "workhorses", but if you need to do a little bit of work, they will accommodate that.
Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from $450 to $790, 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.
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HP 8200 Elite from $2704% cheaper than usual
~$563 with accessoriesAn older computer, it's been refurbished with the latest version of windows and still has a lot to offer if you do not need the latest, greatest thing. It's a w... Read More about the 211204MB
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in LibreOffice
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.performance in Microsoft Word 2016
Meets minimal requirementsSpecsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2016
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-2400SGraphics: Intel HD Graphics 2000Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 512.00 GBDimensions: 10.03 x 33.78 x 37.85 cmWeight: 8.50 kgdetailed info from $269.99 - $269.99 from Staples as of 2018-06-22 10:41:18, EDT
- $275.00 from Amazon as of 2018-06-22 13:36:03, EDT
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. × -
HP 8200 Elite from $2903% cheaper than usual
~$580 with accessoriesAn older computer, this refurbished PC has been updated to the latest version of windows and still has a lot to offer if you do not need the latest, greatest th... Read More about the HP Elite 8200
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in LibreOffice
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.performance in Microsoft Word 2016
Meets minimal requirementsSpecsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2016
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-2400SGraphics: Intel HD Graphics 2000Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 10.03 x 33.78 x 37.85 cmWeight: 8.50 kgdetailed info from $284.99 - $284.99 from Newegg as of 2018-06-22 12:08:39, EDT
- $294.00 from Best Buy as of 2018-06-22 12:05:43, EDT
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. × -
Asus M32BF Tower Computer from $4305% cheaper than usual
~$720 with accessoriesA great computer for productivity and even more creative tasks.
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in LibreOffice
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Microsoft Word 2016
This should run nicelySpecsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2016
This should run nicelyProcessor: AMD A10-7800Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 GraphicsMemory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 17.53 x 40.89 x 38.10 cmWeight: 8.30 kgdetailed info $429.99 from Newegg as of 2018-06-21 11:08:02, EDT 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 Newegg site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
Asus M32BF Tower Computer from $430;
~$755 with accessoriesA great computer for productivity and a little more. Not a bad product if you don't have any great plans for your computer but don't want to be too restricted.
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in LibreOffice
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Microsoft Word 2016
This should run nicelySpecsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2016
This should run nicelyProcessor: AMD A10-7800Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 GraphicsMemory: 8.00 GBStorage: 2 TBDimensions: 17.52 x 37.99 x 40.84 cmWeight: 8.26 kgdetailed info from $429.99 - $429.99 from Best Buy as of 2018-06-22 10:22:34, EDT
- $499.97 from Best Buy as of 2018-06-22 10:21:57, EDT
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. × -
HP 8200 Elite from $500;
~$790 with accessoriesAn older computer, it's been updated with the latest version of windows and still has a lot to offer if you do not need the latest, greatest thing. I would reco... Read More about the HPELITE8200
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in LibreOffice
This should run nicelyperformance in Microsoft Word 2016
Meets recommended specsSpecsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2016
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: Intel Core i5-2400SGraphics: AMD Radeon HD 5450Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 6.60 x 25.40 x 25.15 cmWeight: 6.80 kgdetailed info $499.99 from Visions Electronics as of 2018-06-22 12:06:31, EDT 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. × -
HP 15" Laptop from $45021%, Best price yet!
~$540 with accessoriesThis is a versatile laptop covering the everyday scenarios in a cost-efficient manner. Not a bad pick if "nothing fancy" generally describes your time at the co... Read More about the 15-BS017CA
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in LibreOffice
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Microsoft Word 2016
This should run nicelySpecsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2016
This should run nicelyProcessor: Intel i3-6006UGraphics: Intel HD Graphics 520Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1366×768Dimensions: 38.00 x 25.38 x 2.38 cmWeight: 1.95 kgdetailed info $449.97 from Staples as of 2018-06-22 13:41:07, EDT 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 VivoBook X441UA 14" Laptop from $49022% cheaper than usual
~$710 with accessoriesIf you want to be able to do a little more than handling Word and Excel documents, this laptop has a bit of extra oomph to explore creative activities.
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in LibreOffice
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Microsoft Word 2016
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2016
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Processor: Intel Core i5-7200UGraphics: Intel HD Graphics 620Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBScreen Size: 14"Screen Resolution: 1366×768Dimensions: 34.80 x 24.28 x 2.76 cmWeight: 1.75 kgdetailed info from $489.00 - $489.00 from MicroBytes as of 2018-06-22 06:02:09, EDT
- $749.99 from The Source as of 2018-06-22 06:01:59, EDT
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. × -
HP 15" Laptop from $550;
~$790 with accessoriesA laptop for run-of-the-mill productivity, it's a cost-efficient solution for homework and online entertainment.
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in LibreOffice
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Microsoft Word 2016
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2016
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Processor: Intel Core i5-7200UGraphics: Intel HD Graphics 620Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1366×768Dimensions: 38.00 x 25.38 x 2.38 cmWeight: 1.95 kgdetailed info from $549.99 - $549.99 from Newegg as of 2018-06-22 12:13:56, EDT
- $749.99 from Best Buy as of 2018-06-22 11:14:35, EDT
- $799.99 from Best Buy as of 2018-06-22 11:01:23, EDT
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. × -
Asus VivoBook Max 15" Laptop from $55028%, Best price yet!
~$747 with accessoriesThis laptop has few upgrades over the typical $600 laptop. If you hate waiting for programs to load and want a bit more space to multitask, this is a laptop wor... Read More about the X541UA-SB51-CB
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in LibreOffice
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Microsoft Word 2016
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2016
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Processor: Intel Core i5-7200UGraphics: Intel HD Graphics 620Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 256.00 GBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1920×1080Dimensions: 38.10 x 25.15 x 2.79 cmWeight: 2.00 kgdetailed info from $549.00 - $549.00 from MicroBytes as of 2018-06-22 10:28:01, EDT
- $764.99 from Staples as of 2018-06-22 10:27:12, EDT
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:
