Overview
- The Latitude 7490, on the other hand, has a more modern look, with a carbon fiber lid and a sleek silver chassis.
- The keyboard is a crucial element for any business laptop, and both the T480 and Latitude 7490 deliver exceptional typing experiences.
- Both the T480 and Latitude 7490 offer robust security features, including a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and a Kensington lock slot.
In the realm of business laptops, two giants stand tall: the Lenovo T480 and the Dell Latitude 7490. Both devices offer a formidable combination of performance, durability, and portability, making them ideal choices for professionals on the go. But which one is the right fit for your specific needs? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled this in-depth comparison to shed light on their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo T480 and Dell Latitude 7490 share a sleek and professional aesthetic, with durable construction that can withstand the rigors of business travel. However, there are subtle differences in their design. The T480 features a more traditional ThinkPad design, with a matte black finish and a distinctive red TrackPoint. The Latitude 7490, on the other hand, has a more modern look, with a carbon fiber lid and a sleek silver chassis.
In terms of build quality, both laptops are top-notch. They are MIL-STD-810G certified, meaning they can withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and shocks. The T480 has a slight edge in durability due to its reinforced chassis and spill-resistant keyboard.
Display
Both the T480 and Latitude 7490 offer excellent display options. The T480 comes with a 14-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The Latitude 7490 has a slightly larger 14.1-inch IPS display with the same resolution.
In terms of color accuracy and brightness, the Latitude 7490 has a slight advantage. It covers 96% of the sRGB color gamut and has a maximum brightness of 400 nits. The T480 covers 90% of the sRGB color gamut and has a maximum brightness of 300 nits.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard is a crucial element for any business laptop, and both the T480 and Latitude 7490 deliver exceptional typing experiences. Both keyboards feature backlit keys and a comfortable travel distance. However, the T480’s keyboard has a slightly more tactile feel, while the Latitude 7490’s keyboard is quieter.
The trackpads on both laptops are also excellent. They are spacious and responsive, with support for multi-touch gestures. The T480’s trackpad has a glass surface, providing a smoother glide, while the Latitude 7490’s trackpad has a more textured surface, offering better grip.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both the T480 and Latitude 7490 can handle demanding business applications with ease. The T480 is powered by Intel’s 8th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, while the Latitude 7490 is powered by Intel’s 8th-generation Core i7 or i9 processors.
In terms of graphics performance, the Latitude 7490 has a slight edge. It is available with an optional AMD Radeon RX 540 discrete graphics card, while the T480 has integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for business travelers. The T480 offers exceptional battery life, with up to 18 hours on a single charge. The Latitude 7490 also has impressive battery life, with up to 16 hours on a single charge.
Ports and Connectivity
Both the T480 and Latitude 7490 offer a comprehensive set of ports and connectivity options. The T480 features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. The Latitude 7490 has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port.
In addition, both laptops support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The Latitude 7490 has an optional WWAN module for cellular connectivity.
Security Features
Security is paramount for business laptops. Both the T480 and Latitude 7490 offer robust security features, including a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and a Kensington lock slot.
The T480 has an optional ThinkShutter webcam cover, which provides physical privacy for the webcam. The Latitude 7490 has an optional Smart Card reader, which provides additional security for authentication.
Final Verdict: Which Laptop is Right for You?
The Lenovo T480 and Dell Latitude 7490 are both exceptional business laptops that offer a compelling combination of performance, durability, and portability. However, there are subtle differences between the two devices that may sway your decision.
If you prioritize durability, exceptional battery life, and a tactile keyboard, the Lenovo T480 is the better choice. If you need a more modern design, a brighter display, and better graphics performance, the Dell Latitude 7490 is the way to go.
Ultimately, the best laptop for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. By carefully considering the key differences between the T480 and Latitude 7490, you can make an informed decision and choose the device that is the perfect fit for your business.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which laptop is lighter, the Lenovo T480 or the Dell Latitude 7490?
A: The Lenovo T480 is slightly lighter, weighing in at 3.4 pounds compared to the Dell Latitude 7490’s 3.6 pounds.
Q: Does the Lenovo T480 have a stylus pen?
A: No, the Lenovo T480 does not have a built-in stylus pen. However, it supports the optional Lenovo Active Pen.
Q: Can the Dell Latitude 7490 be upgraded with more RAM?
A: Yes, the Dell Latitude 7490 can be upgraded with up to 32GB of RAM.
Q: Which laptop has better sound quality, the Lenovo T480 or the Dell Latitude 7490?
A: The Dell Latitude 7490 has better sound quality, with its dual speakers and Waves MaxxAudio Pro software.
Q: Does the Lenovo T480 support docking stations?
A: Yes, the Lenovo T480 supports both Thunderbolt 3 and mechanical docking stations.