Top Picks for the Casual Worker

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$178 to US$589, 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.

• 

  HP Pavilion 590 Desktop PC from US$23046%, Best price yet!
  ~$589 with accessories

  With a large hard drive, this computer is a good fit for the collector of photos, music, videos and any file you'd prefer not to store in the cloud.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Multitasker
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer
  • the Audio Editor

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in LibreOffice

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  2.5/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  2.5/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A10-9700

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 2 TB

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  from US$226.45

  • US$226.45 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 12:48:36, EDT
  • US$416.59 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-10-15 12:48:01, 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$13011% cheaper than usual
  ~$178 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	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  performance in LibreOffice

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  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$121.18

  • US$121.18 from Canada Computers (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-10-14 15:38:40, EDT
  • US$174.2 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 14:05:05, 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 11.6" Convertible Chromebook from US$270;
  ~$366 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 Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by Tablets standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Large Tablets standards

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

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  performance in LibreOffice

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  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: 1.300 kg

  detailed info

  from US$263.58

  • US$263.58 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 04:28:37, EDT
  • US$265.1 from Acer (New)
    as of 2019-10-13 12:17:04, EDT
  • US$302.97 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-13 08:43:47, EDT
  • US$305.24 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-10-13 05:15:43, EDT
  • US$330 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-10-13 08:26:19, 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 (2016) from US$200;
  ~$354 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	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large 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	4.5/5

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  performance in LibreOffice

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  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$199.97 from Visions Electronics (New) as of 2019-10-13 04:34:04, 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. ×
• 

  Acer 15" Chromebook from US$220;
  ~$300 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	0.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  performance in LibreOffice

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  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$212.08

  • US$212.08 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 16:38:51, EDT
  • US$254.3 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:11:15, 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 (2019, 32GB) from US$220;
  ~$370 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	1/5
  Storage	2/5
  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	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  performance in LibreOffice

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  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$212.08

  • US$212.08 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:18:17, EDT
  • US$214.39 from eBay (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-10-15 04:27:42, EDT
  • US$226.45 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:46:54, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:13:12, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:03:41, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:16:04, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 16:10:21, EDT
  • US$227.23 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 15:08:31, EDT
  • US$227.23 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 15:57:40, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 17:36:02, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Costco (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:08:41, EDT
  • US$262.07 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:54:34, 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. ×
• 

  Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook from US$1907%, Best price yet!
  ~$270 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	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  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
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  4/5

  Meets recommended specs

  performance in LibreOffice

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  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$189.35 from The Source (New) as of 2019-10-14 14:06:59, 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. ×
• 

  Asus 12" Ruggedized and Water Resistant Design Chromebook from US$180;
  ~$247 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	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  performance in LibreOffice

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  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$173.45

  • US$173.45 from Amazon (Used)
    as of 2019-10-15 04:27:52, EDT
  • US$173.45 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 16:53:15, EDT
  • US$181.03 from Canada Computers (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 13:49:52, EDT
  • US$189.35 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-10-12 04:03:12, EDT
  • US$189.35 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 03:59:22, EDT
  • US$190.11 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 16:12:33, EDT
  • US$195.42 from Visions Electronics (New)
    as of 2019-10-15 03:21:46, EDT
  • US$226.45 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 12:27:36, EDT
  • US$227.23 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 12:30:06, EDT
  • US$228.3 from B&H (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 14:29:52, EDT
  • US$234.04 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 15:58:41, EDT
  • US$265.51 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-10-14 16:19:08, 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. ×
• 

  Acer Chromebook Spin 11 from US$230;
  ~$318 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	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  performance in LibreOffice

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  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: 1.400 kg

  detailed info

  from US$227.23

  • US$227.23 from Best Buy (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-10-13 08:38:32, EDT
  • US$234.04 from Newegg (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-10-13 08:24:57, EDT
  • US$280.25 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-10-13 05:09:41, 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: