Top Picks for the Casual Worker

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 7 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$238 to US$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.

  • #1, Stationary Computers (under $1000)
    Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop

    Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$400;
    ~$790 with accessories

    This computer is a compelling choice for everyday productivity, connectivity and enjoying the web... Read More about the di3880_s218pe

    Device Ratings

    by Stationary Computers standards

    Bang for the Buck4.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability5/5
    AutonomyN/A

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power2/5
    Storage2/5
    Portability1.5/5
    AutonomyN/A

    by Tower Computers standards

    Bang for the Buck4.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability5/5
    AutonomyN/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

    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 i3-10100
    Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Memory: 8.00 GB
    Storage: 256.00 GB
    Dimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cm
    Weight: 6.020 kg

    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. ×
  • #1, Tablets (under $1100)
    Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook Guillaume's pick; 8 times!

    Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook from US$2409%, Best price yet!
    ~$300 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

    Device Ratings

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power2/5
    Storage5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck3.5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power2/5
    Storage5/5
    Portability5/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    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: 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
    from US$238.87

    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 $525)
    Asus Chromebook C204MA 11-inch Chromebook

    Asus Chromebook C204MA 11-inch Chromebook from US$180;
    ~$238 with accessories

    This Chromebook offers a cost-efficient way to stay connected away from your desk if you need a full-featured web browser and a built-in keyboard.

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck3.5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power2.5/5
    Storage2/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy1.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    3.5/5
    Meets recommended specs

    performance in LibreOffice

    1/5
    Meets minimal requirements

    performance in Microsoft Word 2019

    2/5
    Meets minimal requirements

    performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

    2/5
    Meets minimal requirements
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Celeron N4000
    Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 32.00 GB
    Screen Size: 11.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 29.20 x 19.90 x 2.01 cm
    Weight: 1.200 kg

    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. ×
  • #4, Laptops ($525 - $825)
    Dell Inspiron Series 3000 15-inch Laptop

    Dell Inspiron Series 3000 15-inch Laptop from US$430;
    ~$550 with accessories

    This laptop was designed with cost-reduction in mind and is still well-suited to everyday tasks like homework and going online for communication, learning and e... Read More about the ni153593_s419pe

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage2.5/5
    Portability1/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck1.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage2/5
    Portability2.5/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by Large Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power1/5
    Storage1.5/5
    Portability1.5/5
    Autonomy4/5

    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

    3/5
    More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

    performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

    3/5
    More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1
    Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
    Memory: 8.00 GB
    Storage: 256.00 GB
    Screen Size: 15.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 38.00 x 25.80 x 2.27 cm
    Weight: 2.020 kg

    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. ×
  • #1, Laptops (under $525)
    Acer Spin 11-inch Convertible Chromebook

    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

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck3.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck4/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power3.5/5
    Storage3.5/5
    Portability2/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck4/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power3/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck3.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power3/5
    Storage3/5
    Portability3/5
    Autonomy5/5

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    5/5
    Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

    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: 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

    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. ×
  • #3, Laptops (under $525)
    Dell Inspiron Series 3000 15-inch Laptop

    Dell Inspiron Series 3000 15-inch Laptop from US$400;
    ~$520 with accessories

    This cost-efficient laptop is well-suited to everyday tasks like homework and going online for communication, learning and entertainment. Its large screen featu... Read More about the ni153593_sb_s141be

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck1.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power1/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability1/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck1/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power1/5
    Storage4/5
    Portability2.5/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by Large Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck1/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability1.5/5
    Autonomy3.5/5

    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

    3/5
    More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

    performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

    3/5
    More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1
    Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
    Memory: 8.00 GB
    Storage: 1 TB
    Screen Size: 15.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 38.00 x 25.80 x 2.27 cm
    Weight: 2.200 kg

    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. ×
  • #5, Laptops (under $525)
    Asus Flip C234MA 2-in-1 Chromebook

    Asus Flip C234MA 2-in-1 Chromebook from US$24014%, Best price yet!
    ~$318 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

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck3/5
    Versatility for the Price2.5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage3.5/5
    Portability1.5/5
    Autonomy4/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy4/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage3/5
    Portability2/5
    Autonomy3.5/5

    performance in Texts & Numbers

    3.5/5
    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 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

    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. ×

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Looking for a laptop, tablet, smartphone or desktop computer specifically? Here are the product families in which we found options matching your needs: