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 6 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$350 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.
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#2, Stationary Computers (under $1200)
Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$400;
~$790 with accessoriesThis 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 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 2019
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2019
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Processor: Intel Core i3-10100Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 256.00 GBDimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$394.54 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-01-22 03:23:03, ESTPricing 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 $400)
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook from US$24014%, Best price yet!
~$350 with accessoriesThis 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
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
Meets minimal requirementsperformance in Microsoft Word 2019
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Specsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2019
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: MediaTek Helio P60TGraphics: ARM Mali-G72Memory: 4.00 GBStorage: 128.00 GBScreen Size: 10.1"Screen Resolution: 1920×1200Dimensions: 23.98 x 15.98 x 0.74 cmWeight: 0.449 kgdetailed 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
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 (under $550)
Dell Inspiron Series 3000 15-inch Laptop from US$420;
~$550 with accessoriesThis cost-efficient laptop is fast-booting and well-suited to everyday tasks like homework and online connectivity. Its large screen features a lower level of d... Read More about the ni153593_s409pze
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 2019
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Specsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2019
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1Graphics: Intel UHD GraphicsMemory: 8.00 GBStorage: 128.00 GBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1366×768Dimensions: 38.00 x 25.80 x 2.27 cmWeight: 2.020 kgdetailed info US$418.22 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-01-22 03:19:17, ESTPricing 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. × -
#2, Laptops (under $550)
Acer Spin 11-inch Convertible Chromebook from US$360;
~$468 with accessoriesThis 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
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy 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
Meets minimal requirementsperformance in Microsoft Word 2019
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Specsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2019
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: MediaTek MT8183Graphics: ARM Mali-G72Memory: 4.00 GBStorage: 64.00 GBScreen Size: 11.6"Screen Resolution: 1366×768Dimensions: 29.00 x 20.60 x 1.88 cmWeight: 1.200 kgdetailed info US$355.09 from Best Buy (New)as of 2021-01-20 05:59:11, ESTPricing 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. × -
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15-inch Touchscreen Laptop from US$440;
~$570 with accessoriesThis cost-effective laptop is a pretty compelling solution for everyday productivity tasks, even featuring a fast drive to keep your loading times to a minimum... Read More about the 81WE00KWCF
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 2019
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Specsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2019
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1Graphics: Intel UHD GraphicsMemory: 8.00 GBStorage: 256.00 GBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1366×768Dimensions: 36.20 x 25.30 x 2.00 cmWeight: 1.851 kgdetailed info US$434 from Best Buy (New)as of 2021-01-19 05:18:57, ESTPricing 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 $550)
Dell Inspiron Series 3000 15-inch Laptop from US$400;
~$520 with accessoriesThis cost-efficient laptop is fast-booting and could very well handle everyday tasks like homework and online connectivity. Its large screen features a lower le... Read More about the ni153593_s410pze
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 2019
Meets minimal requirementsSpecsperformance in Microsoft Excel 2019
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i3-1005G1Graphics: Intel UHD GraphicsMemory: 4.00 GBStorage: 128.00 GBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1366×768Dimensions: 38.00 x 25.80 x 2.27 cmWeight: 2.020 kgdetailed info US$394.54 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-01-22 03:19:11, ESTPricing 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. ×
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:
