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 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$338 to US$740, 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 $400)
    Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1" Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook

    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

    Device Ratings

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power2.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

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

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power2.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability4.5/5
    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 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$265.37

    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)
    Asus Chromebook C204MA 11-inch Chromebook

    Asus Chromebook C204MA 11-inch Chromebook from US$250;
    ~$338 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
    Autonomy3/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck4/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power2.5/5
    Storage2/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy1.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    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. ×
  • #3, Stationary Computers (under $850)
    HP Slimline Desktop

    HP Slimline Desktop from US$35018%, Best price yet!
    ~$740 with accessories

    This might not be the strongest computer out there, but it's up tot he task if you're looking to tackle typical homework, web searches, etc. and it's quite affo... Read More about the 290-a0029

    Device Ratings

    by Stationary Computers standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price1/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage4/5
    Portability4.5/5
    AutonomyN/A

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price1/5
    Power1/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability1.5/5
    AutonomyN/A

    by Compact Towers standards

    Bang for the Buck5/5
    Versatility for the Price2.5/5
    Power5/5
    Storage5/5
    Portability2.5/5
    AutonomyN/A

    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: 2 TB
    Dimensions: 9.50 x 29.57 x 27.00 cm
    Weight: 2.900 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, Stationary Computers (under $850)
    HP Slimline Compact PC

    HP Slimline Compact PC from US$35018%, Best price yet!
    ~$740 with accessories

    This PC is tiny in a few ways; it definitely won't impress, but not everyone needs an impressive rig, right? It is appropriate for everyday homework, web search... Read More about the 290-A0019

    Device Ratings

    by Stationary Computers standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage2/5
    Portability5/5
    AutonomyN/A

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price2.5/5
    Power1/5
    Storage3.5/5
    Portability1.5/5
    AutonomyN/A

    by Compact Towers standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power5/5
    Storage2.5/5
    Portability5/5
    AutonomyN/A

    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
    Dimensions: 9.50 x 29.27 x 27.00 cm
    Weight: 2.970 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. ×
  • #2, Laptops (under $525)
    Acer Chromebook 311

    Acer Chromebook 311 from US$270;
    ~$368 with accessories

    Chromebooks excel as easy-to-carry travel companions for those of us who need to remain connected on the go with a focus on online resources and the cloud, and... Read More about the CB311-9H-C0Z8

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck3.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power2.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy1/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    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: 64.00 GB
    Screen Size: 11.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 29.60 x 19.90 x 1.82 cm
    Weight: 1.100 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)
    Asus Flip C234MA 2-in-1 Chromebook

    Asus Flip C234MA 2-in-1 Chromebook from US$320;
    ~$428 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 Buck1.5/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck4.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power2/5
    Storage4/5
    Portability1/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck3/5
    Versatility for the Price5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck1.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck4.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power2/5
    Storage3.5/5
    Portability1.5/5
    Autonomy4.5/5

    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. ×
  • #4, Laptops (under $525)
    Acer Spin 11 Touchscreen Chromebook - Silver

    Acer Spin 11 Touchscreen Chromebook - Silver from US$310;
    ~$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

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck1/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy4/5

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck4/5
    Versatility for the Price1.5/5
    Power3.5/5
    Storage3/5
    Portability1/5
    Autonomy2/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price1.5/5
    Power3.5/5
    Storage2/5
    Portability3/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck1/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power1/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy3.5/5

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck4/5
    Versatility for the Price2/5
    Power3/5
    Storage2.5/5
    Portability1/5
    Autonomy1/5

    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

    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 Costco site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #6, Laptops (under $525)
    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch)

    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch) from US$270;
    ~$370 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

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power0/5
    Storage0.5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck1.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage2/5
    Portability1.5/5
    Autonomy0.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power0/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    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: 15.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 35.81 x 24.89 x 1.52 cm
    Weight: 1.410 kg
    from US$265.37

    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 C523NA 15.6" Chromebook

    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook from US$2908% cheaper than usual
    ~$390 with accessories

    With an unusually large screen for a Chromebook, this model trades some of its portability to give the user additional room to work. If you find reading on a sm... Read More about the C523NA-BB01-CB

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck1.5/5
    Versatility for the Price2/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability1.5/5
    Autonomy1.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    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 505
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 64.00 GB
    Screen Size: 15.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 35.81 x 24.89 x 1.52 cm
    Weight: 1.451 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 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: