TechRadar verdict
This laptop is a complete all-in-one that provides all the features business users want at an affordable price. Unfortunately, there is not enough free disk space in this model, but Dell sells several other versions that solve this problem.
Advantages
- +
competitive prices
- +
Impact processor
- +
Excellent feature set
Against
- -
128 GB SATA SSD
- -
Proprietary charger
- -
Mostly plastic
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- Introduction, design and specifications
- Performance and judgment
The Dell Latitude series has always been popular with business customers as the laptops offer exactly the feature sets desired by corporate IT at a price that the budget department can manage.
The bottom rung of the Latitude ladder is the 3000 series machines with 11-inch screens that use Celeron processors. At the opposite end of the scale is the high-end 7000 series with a Core i7 processor with all sorts of advanced features. And in between there are 2-in-1 designs, rugged models and what we're exploring today: the 5000 series.
TheDell Latitude 5490is the latest design in the 5000 series and aims to keep Dell in good stead when the conversation turns to new productivity tools at the next board meeting.
Price, availability and value
For those unfamiliar with Dell's approach to selling PCs, there's a basic selection of sub-models for any design, and from there you can customize them to varying degrees.
The Latitude 5490 comes in 11 different configurations starting at £709 (about $965) ex VAT and going up to £1,109 (about $1,500) depending on processor, memory, display and storage options.
You can also make them more expensive by adding options like a SmartCard reader, LTE modem, and fingerprint scanner, or by including accessories like the Dell Business Dock. The Latitude 5490 reviewed here replaces the 5480, a well-regarded design and a strong contender in a field with impressive offerings from Acer, HP, Lenovo and Toshiba, among others.
A critical difference between the US and European Dell product options is that the design reviewed is not available in the US range.
The $799 (around £586) US version of the Latitude 5490 has just 4GB of RAM, a 500GB SATA drive and a lower screen resolution of 1366 x 768. The inclusion of a 1080p display is exclusive to those systems with Core i7 processors -8650U or i5-8350U.
To draw
Since this machine isn't a Dell XPS, we expected plastic instead of metal insides, and our guesses were correct.
Regardless of the materials, the Latitude 5490 feels well-built, substantial, and the surface texture makes it easy to handle. The last point is important, because it weighs 1.6 kg and dropping it can have unpleasant consequences.
It's a bit on the heavy side for this type of machine, but there's enough calculation inside the black exterior to make up for its wear and tear.
The first thing we noticed about the laptop is that the external ports are almost evenly split between the left, right and rear sides, with a full-sized USB Type-A port on each side. As a general rule, it is usually considered a bad idea to place components on the back of the hinge, as this is where the greatest angular breaking force is often exerted if the machine is dropped or tipped over.
Dell has recognized this to a degree in the placement of the power port and LAN connector. They are placed on each of the hinge plates, giving them a metal frame that offers some protection from a possible accident.
It's hard to predict how much protection this offers, but anything beats a broken laptop that you can't power, charge, or network over Wi-Fi alone.
The 5490's keyboard was a very pleasant surprise, as it has decent key spacing and a very positive, if slightly springy, action. It also has a backlight if you need to work in low-light conditions, such as those in a projected presentation.
The only thing we don't like about the keyboard is that Dell decided to make the cursor keys, which are small considering how often the typical user will need them. There's a "nipple" in the center of the keyboard for those who once loved their ThinkPad (or maybe still do), though the touchpad is a much better option for pointing pointer control for most users.
Dell's touchpads are much improved, and the one on the 5490 is large, has buttons on both the top and bottom, and supports one-, two-, three-, or four-finger gestures. Most users will likely stop at pinching and scrolling, but those who learn these gestures can summon Cortana or the Action Center with a single swipe.
The weakness of a machine built at a very high price is often the display, but the one used on the review model looked perfectly usable to us. At 1080p resolution and 200 nits brightness, it works well for typical office use and at this resolution the interface doesn't require extreme UI scaling.
We've seen brighter and more colorful displays from other brands, notably Fujitsu, but the display on this computer will be acceptable for most users.
It's not a touchscreen, and Dell doesn't currently offer touch on any Latitude 5490. Since this system isn't a 2-in-1, its absence isn't much of a loss, unless you're addicted to leaving smudged fingerprints on the screen . So far, everything about the Latitude 5490 is good or pretty good.
Technical document
This is the configuration of the Dell Latitude 5490 sent to TechRadar Pro for review:
PROCESSOR:Quad-core Intel Core i5-8250U 3.38 GHz
Graphics:Intel HD Graphics 620
WORKING MEMORY:8 GB DDR4 RAM (2400 MHz)
Display:14-inch Full HD (non-touch screen)
Save:128 GB M.2 SATA SSD
Connections:3 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (one with power sharing), 1 x DisplayPort via Type C, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x microSD card slot, headphone/microphone jack
Connectivity:802.11ac dvopojasni Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
CAMERA:Camera with microphone
Weight:1.6 kg (3.52 lb)
Size:332 x 229 x 16,9 mm (Š x D x V)
Battery:4 cells
Technical data
The specs of this machine pretty much run the gamut from perfect sense to next to nothing.
On the sensible side of that line is the Intel Core i5-8250U processor, an excellent quad-core (eight-thread) Kaby Lake U-series chip that can run at 1.6GHz until heavy work pushes it to 3.38GHz in turbo mode. It manages this with a maximum TDP of only 15W.
This chip combined with 8GB of DDR4 memory allows for a smooth experience and there are enough external ports for most users.
It infuriates us that Dell is still appeasing people who use VGA monitors, but those living in the 21st century can connect via HDMI or use DisplayPort via the USB Type-C port.
Higher-spec models have this port upgraded to Thunderbolt 3, but not to the revised hardware specifications. But where the specs go completely wrong is in the storage department, where Dell has confusingly used an M.2 drive that offers no practical advantage over a SATA-connected SSD.
The logic seems to be that since the 128GB drive in the model reviewed is M.2, it's worth more than the 2.5-inch 500GB hard drive in the other models. Well, it will be faster, but with so little space (88GB on the review machine), it puts a strain on an otherwise very useful piece of equipment.
It makes even less sense why M.2 technology was used for the drive. Since the machine apparently has room for a 2.5-inch drive, as seen in the hard drive models, why not use a larger SATA SSD? The argument that M.2 offers top performance also doesn't hold up, as Dell has opted to only use SATA M.2 drives across its UK range rather than NVMe.
There aren't even any easily user-upgradable options, so unless you want to take your Latitude apart, you can never use that empty 2.5-inch drive bay. For those who don't mind removing the screws and cloning modules, disappointment awaits.
The M.2 slot and the 2.5-inch SATA slot take up the same physical space, so you can't have both. And the M.2 version of the machine is also missing the cables and cover to mount the 2.5-inch drive.
Based on this discovery, we suspect that these models with 2.5-inch drives do not have the proper hardware to use the M.2 slot.
However, there is some light at the end of this tunnel. The manual states that the M.2 slot can accommodate both SATA and NVMe drives, allowing you to buy the 128GB review version and then upgrade to whatever size NVMe drive you can afford (up to 1TB).
The only caveat to this exercise is that the drives will need to be cloned from the machine, ideally using a desktop computer with two spare M.2 slots. Or do a recovery drive and do a full rebuild from scratch.
Opening the 5490 also allows the RAM to be upgraded to 32GB, filling both of the memory slots provided, after first removing a pre-installed 8GB unit. Another oddity is that the machine has a SIM card slot, for those who want to be online via mobile technology. But inserting a SIM card will not enable this as you need to purchase and install an additional WWAN module to enable this feature.
Dell went to the trouble of putting a disk and antenna by default on every 5490, but disappointingly left out the WWAN module. The battery specifications of this machine can vary from 42 to 51 or 68 Whr and the review material had the larger of these options for the longest battery life.
But enough technicalities: how does it work?
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Current page:Introduction, design and specifications
Next page Performance and judgment
Mark Pickavance
Mark is an expert in 3D printers, drones and phones. It also covers storage, including SSDs, NAS drives and portable hard drives. He began writing in 1986 and contributed to MicroMart, PC Format, 3D World, among others.
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FAQs
Dell Latitude 5490 Review? ›
Dell Latitude 5490 | 14 inch Full HD FHD Business Laptop | Intel 8th Gen i5-8350U Quad Core | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | Win 10 Pro (Renewed)
How old is the Latitude 5490? ›| Dell Model Years (approximate) * | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | OptiPlex | Latitude 14-inch |
| 2018 | 5060 | 5490 |
| Models below this line are not suitable for Windows 11.** | ||
| 2017 | 5050, 7050 | 5480,7480 |
Dell Latitude 5490 | 14 inch Full HD FHD Business Laptop | Intel 8th Gen i5-8350U Quad Core | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | Win 10 Pro (Renewed)
Is Dell Latitude 5490 touch screen? ›Dell Latitude 5490 Business Laptop, 14 Inch FHD Touchscreen (Intel Core 7th Generation i5-7300U, 16GB DDR4, 256GB SSD), Webcam, Windows 10 Pro(Renewed)
How long is the battery life on the Dell Latitude 5490? ›Our battery-life test, which involves continuously playing a local video file at 50 percent screen brightness, found the Latitude 5490 lasts more than 15 hours (15:39).
Is Dell Latitude outdated? ›Launched in 2012, Dell Latitudes have fallen out of date somewhat. You can still purchase a recertifed Dell Latitude E6430 for the cost of an inexpensive Chromebook. The old Latitude specs are still decent by 2016 standards.
How much is Dell Latitude 5490? ›Dell Latitude 5490 price in India starts from ₹ 167,855. The lowest price of Dell Latitude 5490 is ₹ 167,855 at Amazon on 30th May 2023.
Does Dell Latitude 5490 have WiFi? ›Dell Latitude 5490 Laptop FHD Notebook PC, Intel Core i5 7300U Processor, 16GB Ram, 512GB SSD, Webcam, WiFi & Bluetooth, HDMI, Type C, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 (Renewed)
Does Dell Latitude 5490 have backlit keyboard? ›To perform secondary functions, press Fn and the desired key. NOTE Applies to the optional dual point backlit keyboard.
Is Dell or HP better? ›Experts generally recommend Dell over HP due to its superior build quality, longer battery life, and better customer support; ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences and needs when choosing between these two companies.
Does Dell Latitude 5490 have fingerprint? ›
Trusted authentication: The Latitude 5490 offers multiple security options to meet your diverse security needs. Features include essential multi-factor authentication hardware such as touch fingerprint reader, contacted FIPS 201 Smart Card Reader, and Contactless Smart Card Reader NFC to prevent unauthorized access.
When did the Dell 5490 come out? ›| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Model | Inspiron 14 5000 5490 |
| Release date | September 2019 |
| Model Number | 5490 |
| Model Name | Inspiron 14 5000 |
Most experts estimate a laptop's lifespan to be three to five years. It may survive longer than that, but its utility will be limited as the components become less capable of running advanced applications.
What is the life expectancy of a Dell? ›Dell: Dell laptops can last about three to five years.
What is the maximum life of a Dell laptop? ›You can expect a laptop to last four to five years, though Apple laptops have a longer life expectancy. No matter how well you care for a laptop, don't expect to use it for more than about 10 years due to software issues.
Why is Dell Latitude so slow? ›Performance issues in computers can be caused due to: Fragmented data on the hard disk drive. Unused applications running in the background. Outdated drivers for devices such as chipset, BIOS, docking stations, and so on.
Which Latitude model is the best? ›1. Dell Latitude 7320. If you're looking for a lightweight, utilitarian laptop with well above average battery life, the Dell Latitude 7320 is a great choice. It's no slouch in processing power either, being capable of 3 GHz with a top-of-the-line Intel Core i7 CPU with Intel vPro platform support.
What are the disadvantages of Dell laptop? ›The cons of Dell laptops
Some of the budget models have low build quality. Many people have reported that their laptop broke down within a year after buying it, leading to expensive repairs and replacements, which they could have avoided if they had chosen another brand.
Your computer supports a maximum of 32 GB of memory.
How big is Dell laptop Latitude 5490? ›Latitude 5490 14-inch Business Laptop | Dell India.
Does Dell Latitude 5490 have SIM card slot? ›
Pull the SIM card tray to remove it [2]. Remove the SIM card from the SIM card tray. Push the SIM card tray into the slot until it clicks into place.
Does Dell Latitude 5490 have USB C? ›You could plug your laptop into an external display connected to a power cable, and that external display would charge your laptop as you used it as an external display — all via the one little USB Type-C connection.
How do I turn WiFi on Dell Latitude 5490? ›Dell Latitude E5470, E5480 and E5490
Find the wireless button on the bottom right of your screen (as seen in the red square below). Click it. 2. A box listing the available wireless connections will appear.
With the computer powered off, press the power button. Immediately start pressing the F2 key once per second (if the computer boots into Windows, shut down the computer and try again). Click the + sign next to System Configuration. Click Keyboard Illumination.
How do I know if my Dell laptop keyboard is backlit? ›Examine your Dell's keyboard.
To determine whether or not your laptop has a keyboard light, you will need to look at specific keys on your keyboard. Laptops with backlit keyboards have an illumination icon (a boxed "A" with rays of light extending outwards) printed on either the F6, F10, or right arrow key.
Dell Latitude Laptops | Dell USA.
What brand is Latitude laptop? ›Dell Latitude Laptops for Business | Dell India.
Who makes Latitude computers? ›The Dell Latitude series is a line of laptop computers manufactured and sold by American company Dell.
Which brand is best for laptop Dell? ›- XPS (11)
- Inspiron (26)
- Vostro (7)
- Alienware (12)
- G Series (13)
While its top-of-the-line laptops are reliable and well-built, the lower-end models are less durable. Though a lot depends on the model and your usage, Dell's stylish notebooks should last at least two to three years without issues. Considering their prices, Dell laptops do provide good value for money.
Which is better Lenovo or Dell? ›
Lenovo is generally better for durability, as their laptops are built with strong materials and are designed to withstand wear and tear. Dell laptops, on the other hand, may have more attractive designs but may not be as durable.
What is the resolution of Dell Latitude 5490? ›Dell Latitude 5000 5490 is a laptop with a 14.00-inch display that has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.
Can you game on Dell Latitude 5490? ›This gaming laptop can run Fortnite, Minecraft, PUBG and GTA V - some of the the biggest PC games at a recommended level. But unfortunately it won't run games like Apex Legends.
Does Dell Latitude come with stylus? ›The Dell Stylus
This is a guide to the optional Dell Stylus that is available for use with Dell Latitude Tablets. It covers a visual guide, getting the stylus ready for use and using the stylus with a tablet. Note: The stylus is sold separately and is not shipped with the tablet.
Latitude: Dell's corporate business line. “E” stands for the Latitude family; the second number refers to the series. The third number indicates the screen size (5 for 15-inch, etc.), and the last two numbers denote the generation of the family.
What are the different Dell Latitude models? ›- Latitude 9330.
- New Latitude 9440.
- Latitude 9430.
- Latitude 7430.
- Latitude 7320 Detachable.
- New Latitude 7340.
- New Latitude 7640.
- New Latitude 7440.
What year was Dell Latitude 5420? The Dell Latitude 5420 was released in 2021.
Do desktops last longer than laptops? ›Which lasts longer, a laptop or desktop computer? Desktop computers generally last longer than laptops. A laptop's lifespan is generally reckoned to be around three to five years, compared to a desktop computer's lifespan of around five to eight years.
How can I store my laptop for a long time? ›If a laptop, cell phone, or tablet will not be used for a long time, charge the battery to 50%, turn the device off, and remove the AC power supply (adapter). Recharge the battery every three months to 50% to prevent battery damage by over-discharge due to long-term storage without using.
How do I check the life of my Dell laptop? ›- Turn on the computer and tap F2 key at the Dell logo screen.
- On the left pane, under General, select Battery Information.
- Verify the battery health information as illustrated (Figure 1).
What is the most common age of death? ›
The world average age of death is a few years lower at 69.8 years for men and 74.9 years for women. Within the European Union, these are 77.8 and 83.3 years respectively. Birth rate and death rate are given in births/deaths per 1,000 inhabitants within one year. The table shows the official data from the year 2020.
What is the life expectancy of a 70 year old man? ›Consider the Average Life Expectancy
And if she makes it to age 70, her life expectancy increases to 87.6 years. A man the same age has an average life expectancy of 84.1 years. Read: What Is the Average Retirement Age?
Leaving your laptop plugged in will not cause short-term damage, but if you only ever use it on AC power, you'll almost certainly find that after a year, the battery's capacity has been significantly reduced. Similarly, if you only ever use it on battery power, you'll get through the battery's discharge cycles quicker.
How long should a laptop battery last when fully charged? ›| Workload / Screen-Brightness | Brightness 25% | Brightness 100% |
|---|---|---|
| Text-Editing | 10 hours | 5 hours |
| Browsing | 8 hours | 4 hours |
| Video /Movie Playback | 7 hours | 3 hours |
| Photo Editing, Graphic Design | 6 hours | 3 hours |
Ans. The typical lifespan of a Lenovo laptop is five to seven years. The cost, model, kind of laptop, and build quality are just a few of the variables that affect how long your Lenovo device will last. The key factor in extending the functional life of your equipment is, however, human upkeep and care.
How can I tell how old my Dell laptop is? ›Check Computer Age by "Property of Mercer" Sticker
The sticker is usually placed in the following locations: Dell Desktops: On top of the computer, near the front. Dell Laptops: On the back of the display. Apple iMacs: On the back of the computer.
First released in 1994, the Latitude is a laptop lineup by Dell that spans seven generations.
How long will a Dell Latitude laptop last? ›Most experts estimate a laptop's lifespan to be three to five years. It may survive longer than that, but its utility will be limited as the components become less capable of running advanced applications.
What does Latitude mean in Dell laptop? ›The Latitude line is a line of business laptops . They're designed for professional use and to be portable workstations.
How long do laptops last? ›The average lifespan of a laptop
There are plenty of variables, but you can expect a well-maintained laptop to last for three to five years. The laptop lifespan is shorter than a desktop PC due to its compact stature.
How do I know if my Dell laptop is new or refurbished? ›
-Open command prompt, and type c:>wmic bios get the serial number, compare the BIOS serial number with the chassis serial number. If this is not the same, the machine may be a refurb. You can also visit the manufacturer's website and punch in the serial number to indicate the laptop's status.
How do I know what generation my Dell laptop is Windows 10? ›Windows 11 or Windows 10
In the Search Box, type System. In the list of search results, under settings, select System. Look for Model: in the System section.
From their processor performance to memory performance, storage speed, graphics performance, to their battery runtime, the Dell Latitude is completely better. In fact, the overall performance of the Dell Latitude is much better than the Inspiron's.
Why Dell laptops are good? ›Dell laptops are very popular because of their high quality and affordable price. They have a wide range of models, from the most basic to the top-of-the line ones.