Top Picks for the Casual Worker

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$590 to US$1060, 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 Desktop PC from US$45016%, Best price yet!
  ~$879 with accessories

  This desktop PC is well-suited for productivity and even a bit more; like creative experimentation for instance... Read More about the 595-p0049

  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Tinkerer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  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

  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 i5-8400T

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 630

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB + 128 GB (~1.13 TB)

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  from US$443.65

  • US$443.65 from Best Buy (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-08-18 09:05:36, EDT
  • US$519.75 from HP (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 10:26:43, EDT
  • US$595.07 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-08-18 09:03:56, 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. ×
• 

  HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$530;
  ~$990 with accessories

  This desktop PC has a lot of storage space and offers a lot of performance for the price. It's a great pick if you keep an extensive media collection and it's a... Read More about the 595-p1009

  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	5/5
  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

  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 i5-9400

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 2 TB + 128 GB (~2.13 TB)

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  from US$527.28

  • US$527.28 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-16 20:22:39, EDT
  • US$601.86 from HP (New)
    as of 2019-08-16 20:32:01, 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. ×
• 

  ME PC VT1000A Home PC from US$550;
  ~$1060 with accessories

  This cost-efficient PC is a great solution to handle more than just typical homework. And thanks to the way it's built, you have several upgrade options in the... Read More about the MX75756

  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Tinkerer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1/5
  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

  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: AMD Ryzen 3 2200G

  Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 9.60 x 37.00 x 33.40 cm

  Weight: 10.000 kg

  detailed info

  US$549.88 from Memory Express (Built to Order) as of 2019-08-18 04:31:49, 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 Memory Express site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  HP 14" Laptop from US$38023%, Best price yet!
  ~$590 with accessories

  This cost-effective laptop is held down by two main factors: its screen and its non-standard version of Windows... Read More about the 14-dk0018ca

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

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  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: AMD Ryzen 3 3200U

  Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 128.00 GB

  Screen Size: 14"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 32.40 x 22.59 x 1.99 cm

  Weight: 1.474 kg

  detailed info

  US$376.63 from Best Buy (New) as of 2019-08-18 09:25:25, 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 Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$400;
  ~$820 with accessories

  A cost-efficient computer for homework and even quite a bit of creativity.

  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Tinkerer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Tower Computers standards

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

  4/5

  Meets recommended specs

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  4/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A10-9700

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  US$399.22 from Staples (New) as of 2019-08-18 07:47:09, 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 Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  HP 15" Laptop from US$46012%, Best price yet!
  ~$690 with accessories

  This laptop is designed to be versatile for a minimal cost. A lot was sacrificed to get the price down this far, but if you don't need the smallest computer wit... Read More about the 15-dw0008ca

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

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  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 i5-8265U

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 35.85 x 24.20 x 1.99 cm

  Weight: 1.770 kg

  detailed info

  from US$451.95

  • US$451.95 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 08:55:56, EDT
  • US$512.21 from HP (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 10:21:31, 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. ×
• 

  Asus Vivobook 15" Laptop from US$460;
  ~$690 with accessories

  An excellent laptop for productivity, multitasking and mainstream entertainment.

  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	2.5/5

  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

  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 i5-8250U

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 256.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 36.07 x 24.38 x 2.03 cm

  Weight: 1.680 kg

  detailed info

  from US$451.95

  • US$451.95 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-08-17 07:41:58, EDT
  • US$527.26 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 07:40:50, EDT
  • US$564.94 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 06:45:27, 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. ×
• 

  Dell Inspiron 15" Laptop (touch) from US$550;
  ~$820 with accessories

  Balancing horsepower, a crisp and roomy touchscreen and cost-efficiency; this laptop is a good fit for productivity and multitasking.

  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Tinkerer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  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

  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 i5-8250U

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 37.85 x 25.81 x 2.26 cm

  Weight: 2.170 kg

  detailed info

  from US$549.88

  • US$549.88 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 06:28:46, EDT
  • US$677.19 from Microsoft (New)
    as of 2019-08-17 04:14:57, 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. ×
• 

  HP 15" Laptop from US$6106% cheaper than usual
  ~$840 with accessories

  This laptop is designed to be versatile for a modest cost. It's a compelling choice for productivity, but its built-in screen limits its multitasking potential.

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

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in LibreOffice

  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 i5-8250U

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

  Memory: 12.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 37.60 x 24.60 x 2.25 cm

  Weight: 1.900 kg

  detailed info

  from US$602.61

  • US$602.61 from HP (New)
    as of 2019-08-16 10:54:33, EDT
  • US$625.2 from Staples (New)
    as of 2019-08-18 07:29:46, 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: