Top Picks for the Casual Worker

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$270 to US$540, 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.

• #3, Tablets ($400 - $725)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) from US$290;
  ~$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	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Large Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4/5
  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$285.82 from Visions Electronics (New) as of 2020-05-23 06:01:46, 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 Visions Electronics site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #4, Tablets (under $400)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019, 32GB) from US$220;
  ~$388 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	4/5
  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	0.5/5
  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	0.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  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 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$212.93

  • US$212.93 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 03:32:53, EDT
  • US$214.36 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 10:04:34, EDT
  • US$214.36 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 09:18:32, EDT
  • US$214.36 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 05:55:47, EDT
  • US$214.36 from The Source (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 05:04:58, EDT
  • US$214.36 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 06:22:17, 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. ×
• #1, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Lenovo S330 14-inch Chromebook - Business Black from US$180;
  ~$270 with accessories

  Chromebooks can be a cost-effective way to stay connected away from the desk when you need a full keyboard. This specific model doesn't have a lot of storage, b... Read More about the 81QB000AUS

  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  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: MediaTek MT8173

  Graphics: ARM PowerVR GX6250

  Memory: 4.00 GB

  Storage: 16.00 GB

  Screen Size: 14"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 32.57 x 23.24 x 2.08 cm

  Weight: 1.501 kg

  detailed info

  US$178.63 from Best Buy (New) as of 2020-05-24 11:59:06, 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, Tablets ($400 - $725)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019, 128GB) from US$330;
  ~$540 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	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  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
  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
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  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$321.55

  • US$321.55 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 09:27:14, EDT
  • US$321.55 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 12:10:25, 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. ×
• #2, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook from US$20023% cheaper than usual
  ~$290 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	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  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	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  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$192.93 from The Source (New) as of 2020-05-24 04:37:49, 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 The Source site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #3, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Asus VivoBook Max 15" Laptop from US$360;
  ~$518 with accessories

  This laptop's primarily designed to be as inexpensive as possible so don't expect impressive speeds, however, if you're looking for a computer to handle "the ba... Read More about the X540BA-RB94

  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

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

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in LibreOffice

  4/5

  Meets recommended specs

  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: AMD A9-9425

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R5 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 38.10 x 25.15 x 2.79 cm

  Weight: 1.900 kg

  detailed info

  from US$355.85

  • US$355.85 from Visions Electronics (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 04:10:41, EDT
  • US$356.57 from Canada Computers (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 05:01:20, EDT
  • US$357.28 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 11:28:46, 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. ×
• #4, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Acer Spin 11 Touchscreen Chromebook - Silver from US$290;
  ~$418 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	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by Tablets standards

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

  by Netbooks standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by Large Tablets standards

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

  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$285.82

  • US$285.82 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 10:14:45, EDT
  • US$285.82 from Costco (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 12:09:42, EDT
  • US$303.24 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 05:32:27, EDT
  • US$321.55 from Acer (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 13:17:47, 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 $400)

  

  Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch from US$150;
  ~$290 with accessories

  This tablet is perfectly sized as a portable media player and is said to last a long time on a battery charge. It won't exactly excel for gaming, but unless you... Read More about the SM-T290NZSAXAC

  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Tablets standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	5/5
  Autonomy	2.5/5

  by Small Tablets standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  performance in LibreOffice

  1/5

  Meets minimal requirements

  performance in Microsoft Word 2019

  0/5

  Does not meet software's minimum requirements

  performance in Microsoft Excel 2019

  0/5

  Does not meet software's minimum requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Qualcom Snapdragon 429

  Graphics: Qualcom Adreno 504

  Memory: 2.00 GB

  Storage: 32.00 GB

  Screen Size: 8"

  Screen Resolution: 1280×800

  Dimensions: 21.00 x 12.44 x 0.80 cm

  Weight: 0.345 kg

  detailed info

  from US$142.91

  • US$142.91 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 10:31:04, EDT
  • US$142.91 from Staples (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 06:59:51, EDT
  • US$142.91 from Samsung (New)
    as of 2020-05-22 12:53:12, EDT
  • US$170.67 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 07:09:36, EDT
  • US$170.67 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2020-05-24 05:27:49, 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 retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #5, Laptops (under $525)

  

  Asus 12" Ruggedized and Water Resistant Design Chromebook from US$200;
  ~$297 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	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0/5
  Storage	0/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  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$199.36

  • US$199.36 from Canada Computers (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 05:34:43, EDT
  • US$369.42 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2020-05-23 05:46:38, 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: