Top Picks for the Casual Worker

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$270 to US$490, 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, Tablets (under $500)

  

  Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook from US$270;
  ~$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	1.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

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

  detailed info

  from US$263.25

  • US$263.25 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 06:25:31, EDT
  • US$300.86 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 07:26:28, 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. ×
• #2, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Acer Spin 11 Touchscreen Chromebook - Silver from US$2506%, Best price yet!
  ~$368 with accessories

  This Chromebook is quite versatile, with the ability to fold onto itself to be used as a tablet - although a bulky one - or a laptop capable to give you the ful... Read More about the CP311-2H-C04Y

  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by Tablets standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

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

  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: Intel Celeron N4100

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 29.60 x 20.60 x 1.96 cm

  Weight: 1.188 kg

  detailed info

  from US$248.21

  • US$248.21 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2020-08-07 10:03:54, EDT
  • US$263.25 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 10:02:08, EDT
  • US$300.86 from Costco (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 10:03:25, EDT
  • US$338.47 from Acer (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 10:02:57, 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. ×
• #3, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Asus 11-inch Chromebook - Grey from US$200;
  ~$278 with accessories

  This Chromebook is a cost-effective solution to your everyday needs, such as browsing the web, social media, etc. It even has quite a few productive application... Read More about the C223NA-BH01-CB

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

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 11.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 28.60 x 19.90 x 1.73 cm

  Weight: 0.999 kg

  detailed info

  US$195.53 from Best Buy (New) as of 2020-08-07 07:24:34, 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 Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #4, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch) from US$270;
  ~$368 with accessories

  With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model trades some of its portability to give the user a larger picture to work with (but not necessarily m... Read More about the C523NA-DH02

  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  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	3.5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  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

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 35.81 x 24.89 x 1.52 cm

  Weight: 1.410 kg

  detailed info

  from US$261.75

  • US$261.75 from Visions Electronics (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 04:46:02, EDT
  • US$262.51 from Canada Computers (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 05:23:25, EDT
  • US$263.25 from Memory Express (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 11:02:05, 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. ×
• #4, Tablets (under $500)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) from US$310;
  ~$490 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	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  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

  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$300.86 from Visions Electronics (New) as of 2020-08-07 05:16:36, 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. ×
• #5, Tablets (under $500)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019, 32GB) from US$20011% cheaper than usual
  ~$355 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	0.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  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

  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$199.28

  • US$199.28 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 05:41:50, EDT
  • US$201.57 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 09:39:55, EDT
  • US$203.08 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 06:50:23, EDT
  • US$203.08 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 09:39:22, EDT
  • US$203.08 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 07:41:23, EDT
  • US$203.08 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 04:45:51, EDT
  • US$203.08 from The Source (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 04:07:43, EDT
  • US$203.08 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 09:40:27, 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. ×
• #5, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Acer Chromebook Spin 11 from US$320;
  ~$438 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	3/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	2.5/5

  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

  Storage: 32.00 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$315.89

  • US$315.89 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 04:15:30, EDT
  • US$315.89 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 04:23:31, 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. ×
• #7, Tablets (under $500)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019, 128GB) from US$31011% cheaper than usual
  ~$490 with accessories

  Straddling the line between Affordable and Capable, this tablet does not have all the bells and whistles, but this variant comes with a lot more storage spa... Read More about the SM-T510NZKGXAC

  • the Mobile Gamer
  • the Casual Nomad
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Large Tablets standards

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

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  4/5

  This should run nicely

  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: 3.00 GB

  Storage: 128.00 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$300.86

  • US$300.86 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 07:16:58, EDT
  • US$300.86 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2020-08-07 10:44:25, 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. ×
• #6, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook from US$19029% cheaper than usual
  ~$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	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	5/5

  by Netbooks standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  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$188.03 from The Source (New) as of 2020-08-07 09:52:26, 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. ×

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: