Top Picks for the Tinkerer
So, "voiding warranties" is something you do with pride? The following systems allow you to make your own maintenance and some upgrades as needed. After all, it's much more cost-effective to add memory or storage down the road if needed.
Your options 8 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$750 to US$1000, 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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#1, Stationary Computers (under $1000)
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 Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: 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$398.13 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-04-16 03:20:46, EDTPricing 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, Stationary Computers (under $1000)
Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$5503% cheaper than usual
~$970 with accessoriesThis computer is a good fit for everyday productivity on a budget, and thanks to fast storage, it'll keep your loading times to a minimum. It's even relatively... Read More about the di3880_s2041e
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 Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 12.00 GBStorage: 256.00 GBDimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$541.46 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-04-16 04:20:49, EDTPricing 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. × -
#3, Stationary Computers (under $1000)
Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$4805% cheaper than usual
~$890 with accessoriesThis computer is a good fit for everyday productivity on a budget. It's even relatively easy to upgrade and maintain thanks to detailed documentation. A few cre... Read More about the di3880_s2021e
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 Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 12.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$477.75 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-04-16 04:16:20, EDTPricing 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. × -
#4, Stationary Computers (under $1000)
Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$560;
~$990 with accessoriesThis computer is well-suited for speedy productivity on a budget. It's even relatively easy to upgrade and maintain thanks to detailed documentation if you do n... Read More about the di3880_s2081e
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 Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)Dimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$557.38 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-04-16 03:21:25, EDTPricing 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. × -
#5, Stationary Computers (under $1000)
Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$480;
~$890 with accessoriesThis computer is well-suited for everyday productivity on a budget. It's even relatively easy to upgrade and maintain thanks to detailed documentation if you do... Read More about the di3880_s205e
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 Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$477.75 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-04-16 03:21:19, EDTPricing 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. × -
#6, Stationary Computers (under $1000)
Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$560;
~$990 with accessoriesThis computer is a good fit if you've been looking to get more work done from home on a budget. It's even relatively easy to upgrade and maintain thanks to deta... Read More about the di3880_s2101e
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 Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 512.00 GBDimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$557.38 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-04-16 03:20:58, EDTPricing 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. × -
#7, Stationary Computers (under $1000)
HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$570;
~$1000 with accessoriesIf you need a PC for more than basic homework, or if you want a little room to grow with your next system, this cost-efficient model could be just what you need... Read More about the TP01-0019
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 Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-9400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)Dimensions: 15.54 x 30.40 x 33.74 cmWeight: 5.960 kgdetailed info US$565.34 from HP (New)as of 2021-04-15 11:28:59, EDTPricing 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 HP site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#1, Laptops ($525 - $825)
Dell Inspiron 5502 15-inch Laptop from US$590;
~$750 with accessoriesThis Laptop excels at cost-effective productivity while remaining relatively easy to carry. It even has a few attractive features, such as Gigabit-capable WiFi... Read More about the ni155000t_sb_5015e
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 Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
This should run nicelyperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.Specsperformance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-1135G7Graphics: Intel Iris Xe GraphicsMemory: 8.00 GBStorage: 256.00 GBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1920×1080Dimensions: 35.61 x 23.45 x 1.79 cmWeight: 1.714 kgdetailed info US$581.27 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-04-16 03:18:56, EDTPricing 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:
