Dell Latitude 7490 Review: A Business Ultrabook That Stands the Test of Time

Introduction

The Dell Latitude 7490 continues to be a solid choice for professionals seeking a reliable, lightweight, and secure business laptop. Equipped with an Intel Core i5 8th Gen processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB SSD, the Latitude 7490 offers consistent performance for everyday productivity tasks. Its compact 14-inch form factor, combined with robust build quality, makes it ideal for on-the-go professionals. In this review, we’ll explore the design, performance, display, security, and real-world usability of the Dell Latitude 7490, comparing it with other business-class laptops to see how it stands in the modern workspace.

Specifications Overview

Design and Build Quality

The Latitude 7490 features a professional, minimalist design with a matte black finish that resists fingerprints. Its magnesium alloy chassis ensures durability while keeping the weight low at just 1.32 kg, making it highly portable for daily commuting, business trips, or work from cafés. The laptop’s hinge allows the display to open smoothly with one hand, and the keyboard deck exhibits minimal flex, demonstrating premium construction.

Compared to larger business laptops, the 7490 offers a more compact footprint, making it easier to work in tight spaces like airplanes or meeting rooms. Its lightweight design doesn’t compromise build quality, and the laptop feels sturdy and robust during everyday use.

Display

The Latitude 7490 provides two display options: the standard FHD (1920×1080) panel and a higher-resolution WQHD (2560×1440) panel. Both displays deliver crisp visuals, accurate colors, and adequate brightness for indoor use. The WQHD panel has a higher pixel density, which enhances text clarity and image sharpness, making it suitable for professionals who often work with spreadsheets, documents, or media content. Both displays feature anti-glare coatings to reduce reflections under bright lighting.

While the Latitude 7490 doesn’t include touchscreen functionality, the matte display ensures a professional and distraction-free viewing experience, especially in office environments.

Performance

Powered by an Intel Core i5 8th Gen processor, the Latitude 7490 is capable of handling everyday productivity tasks effortlessly. The 8GB DDR4 RAM enables smooth multitasking, allowing users to run multiple applications, including web browsers, Microsoft Office Suite, and collaboration tools, without noticeable slowdowns.

The 256GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick access to files, improving overall workflow efficiency. The integrated Intel UHD 620 graphics suffice for video playback, light photo editing, and office applications, though demanding games or graphics-intensive software may be limited.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The Latitude 7490 features a comfortable keyboard with well-spaced keys and responsive feedback, making long typing sessions efficient and comfortable. The backlit keyboard aids productivity in low-light environments, while the layout is optimized for business use.

The Precision trackpad supports multi-touch gestures, such as pinch-to-zoom and three-finger swipe, for easy navigation. A TrackPoint nub is included for users who prefer traditional pointing methods, further enhancing usability in professional settings.

Connectivity

Dell has equipped the Latitude 7490 with a comprehensive set of ports. These include two USB 3.1 ports, a USB-C Gen1, a USB-C/TB3 port, HDMI 1.4b, RJ-45 Ethernet, microSD card slot, and a headphone/mic jack. This extensive connectivity ensures compatibility with external monitors, storage devices, and networking requirements. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 for reliable wireless connectivity.

Battery Life

The Latitude 7490 comes with a 3-cell 60Wh battery, which provides up to 10 hours of usage under typical conditions like web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing. This battery life makes it suitable for an entire workday without needing to recharge. Dell’s Power Manager software allows users to optimize battery usage for performance or longevity.

Security Features

The Latitude 7490 is designed with enterprise-grade security in mind. It features a fingerprint reader for quick login, TPM 2.0 for hardware-based encryption, and a smart card reader for secure authentication. Optional facial recognition via IR camera further enhances data security, making it a reliable choice for professionals managing sensitive information.

Performance Against Modern Laptops

While the Latitude 7490 uses an older 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, it still competes effectively with newer laptops for office tasks and daily productivity. Its 8GB RAM and SSD ensure responsive multitasking. However, modern laptops with 10th or 11th Gen Intel processors may provide better power efficiency and enhanced graphics performance.

Despite the older processor, the Latitude 7490 excels in reliability, portability, and build quality, which remain critical factors for business users.

Comparison with Dell Latitude 5400 and Lenovo ThinkPad T580

For professionals considering alternatives, here’s how the Latitude 7490 stacks up against two other prominent business-class laptops: the Dell Latitude 5400 and Lenovo ThinkPad T580.

In comparison, the Latitude 7490 stands out for its lighter weight and compact design, ideal for mobility. The Latitude 5400 offers higher RAM for multitasking and optional UHD display for better visuals, while the ThinkPad T580 has a larger screen, making it suitable for users prioritizing screen space.

For more detailed insights, you can read the full Dell Latitude 5400 review and Lenovo ThinkPad T580 review.

Why Buying Refurbished Makes Sense

Purchasing a refurbished Dell Latitude 7490 is a smart choice for budget-conscious professionals. Refurbished laptops are tested and certified to meet quality standards, often coming at a fraction of the cost of new devices. Refurbo lists this laptop at a significantly lower price compared to buying new, making it an attractive option for those seeking value without compromising on performance or reliability. Additionally, buying refurbished supports environmental sustainability by extending the life of electronics.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

• Professionals on the move benefit from the lightweight design, long battery life, and solid build.
• Students and remote workers find the laptop suitable for note-taking, online classes, and video conferencing.
• Enterprise users value the security features and wide connectivity options for everyday business tasks.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable design
• Long battery life
• Excellent keyboard and trackpad
• Robust security features
• Comprehensive connectivity options

Cons:

• Integrated graphics limit gaming and high-end rendering
• Older processor compared to modern laptops
• WQHD display option consumes more battery

Conclusion

The Dell Latitude 7490 continues to be a dependable business-class laptop, offering portability, reliability, and solid performance for office productivity. Its compact design, battery life, and security features make it an ideal choice for professionals, students, and remote workers. When compared with the Dell Latitude 5400 and Lenovo ThinkPad T580, it offers excellent mobility and value, while newer models provide enhanced multitasking and display options. Purchasing a refurbished unit from Refurbo ensures cost savings without sacrificing quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can the Dell Latitude 7490 handle heavy multitasking?
A: Yes, the Dell Latitude 7490 with Intel Core i5 8th Gen and 8GB DDR4 RAM can efficiently handle multitasking and multiple applications simultaneously.

Q: Does the Dell Latitude 7490 support 4K displays?
A: No, the Dell Latitude 7490 supports a maximum resolution of WQHD (2560×1440).

Q: Is the battery life of the Dell Latitude 7490 sufficient for a full workday?
A: Yes, it offers up to 10 hours of battery life under typical usage.

Q: Can the RAM and storage of the Dell Latitude 7490 be upgraded?
A: Yes, both RAM and storage are upgradeable.

Q: Is the Dell Latitude 7490 suitable for students?
A: Yes, its lightweight design and reliable performance make it suitable for students.

Q: Does the Dell Latitude 7490 come with Windows 10 Pro?
A: Yes, most units come with Windows 10 Pro for enhanced productivity and security.

Q: How does the Dell Latitude 7490 compare with the Dell Latitude 5400 and Lenovo ThinkPad T580?
A: The 7490 is lighter and more portable, while the 5400 offers higher RAM and optional UHD display, and the T580 has a larger screen suitable for extended work.

Q: Why should I consider buying a refurbished Dell Latitude 7490?
A: Refurbished units are cost-effective, tested for quality, and available at significantly lower prices on Refurbo, offering value without compromising performance.