What To Know
- The Latitude 7490 is available with a variety of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, ranging from the i5-8250U to the i7-8650U.
- The Latitude 7490 is equipped with a 4-cell battery, offering up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge, according to Dell.
- The X1 Carbon features a 3-cell battery, offering up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge, according to Lenovo.
Choosing the right business laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two powerhouses like the Dell Latitude 7490 and the Lenovo X1 Carbon. Both laptops are known for their sleek design, powerful performance, and exceptional portability, making them popular choices for professionals on the go. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value proposition of each laptop to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Dell Latitude 7490 and the Lenovo X1 Carbon boast a premium design that exudes professionalism. The Latitude 7490 features a sleek, silver-colored aluminum chassis with sharp edges and a minimalist aesthetic. The X1 Carbon, on the other hand, opts for a more rounded design with a slightly softer, black carbon fiber lid.
Durability: Both laptops are built to withstand the rigors of everyday use. The Latitude 7490 is MIL-STD 810G certified, signifying its ability to endure extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations. The X1 Carbon, while not MIL-STD certified, is known for its robust construction and has consistently performed well in drop tests.
Portability: Both laptops are remarkably lightweight and compact. The Latitude 7490 weighs in at 3.1 pounds, while the X1 Carbon is even lighter at 2.5 pounds. Both laptops are easy to carry around in a briefcase or backpack, making them ideal for frequent travelers.
Display
The display is a crucial aspect of any laptop, especially for professionals who spend long hours working on documents, spreadsheets, or presentations.
Latitude 7490: The Latitude 7490 comes with a 14-inch display, offering a range of options from HD (1366 x 768) to Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The screen features an anti-glare coating and a wide viewing angle, ensuring clear visuals even in bright environments.
X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon also offers a 14-inch display, with options ranging from Full HD to 4K resolution. The 4K option provides stunning clarity and detail, making it ideal for creative professionals. The X1 Carbon’s display is known for its vibrant colors and excellent contrast, making it a pleasure to work on.
Touchscreen: Both laptops offer optional touchscreen versions, adding another layer of versatility and ease of use.
Performance
Both the Latitude 7490 and the X1 Carbon are powered by Intel’s 8th generation processors, offering exceptional processing power for demanding tasks.
Latitude 7490: The Latitude 7490 is available with a variety of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, ranging from the i5-8250U to the i7-8650U. It also offers a range of RAM options, from 8GB to 16GB, and storage options, including SSDs with capacities ranging from 256GB to 1TB.
X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon also features a range of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, including the i5-8250U and the i7-8565U. It offers up to 16GB of RAM and storage options up to 2TB SSD.
Graphics: Both laptops are equipped with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, which is sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing the web and watching videos. For more demanding graphics tasks, such as video editing or gaming, you may want to consider a dedicated graphics card, which is not available on either laptop.
Battery Life
One of the most critical factors for business professionals on the go is battery life. Both the Latitude 7490 and the X1 Carbon boast impressive battery life.
Latitude 7490: The Latitude 7490 is equipped with a 4-cell battery, offering up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge, according to Dell.
X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon features a 3-cell battery, offering up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge, according to Lenovo.
Charging: Both laptops support fast charging technology, allowing you to quickly top off your battery when you’re on the go.
Connectivity and Ports
Both laptops offer a wide range of connectivity options, ensuring you can easily connect to peripherals and networks.
Latitude 7490: The Latitude 7490 features a variety of ports, including USB-C, USB 3.1, HDMI, and a microSD card reader. It also includes a built-in fingerprint reader for added security.
X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon also offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, and a microSD card reader. It also features a built-in fingerprint reader and optional facial recognition technology.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard and touchpad are essential components for a comfortable and productive user experience.
Latitude 7490: The Latitude 7490 features a comfortable, backlit keyboard with a good amount of key travel. The touchpad is responsive and accurate, making it easy to navigate the desktop.
X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon is renowned for its excellent keyboard, which is known for its comfortable typing experience and precise keystrokes. The touchpad is also highly responsive and accurate, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience.
Security
Both laptops prioritize security, offering a range of features to protect your data and privacy.
Latitude 7490: The Latitude 7490 comes with a built-in fingerprint reader and Dell’s own security software, which provides protection against malware and data breaches.
X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon offers a built-in fingerprint reader and optional facial recognition technology for added security. It also features Lenovo‘s own security software, which provides robust protection against threats.
Price
The price of both laptops varies depending on the configuration, but both are considered premium business laptops.
Latitude 7490: The Latitude 7490 starts at around $1,000, while higher-end configurations can cost upwards of $2,000.
X1 Carbon: The X1 Carbon starts at around $1,300, with higher-end configurations exceeding $2,500.
The Verdict: Which Laptop Is Right for You?
Both the Dell Latitude 7490 and the Lenovo X1 Carbon are excellent business laptops, offering a blend of performance, portability, and security.
Choose the Latitude 7490 if:
- You prioritize durability and long battery life.
- You need a more affordable option.
- You prefer a slightly larger display.
Choose the X1 Carbon if:
- You value a sleek and lightweight design.
- You need a premium keyboard and touchpad experience.
- You desire the best possible display quality.
Ultimately, the best laptop for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, the specific features you require, and the tasks you will be performing to make an informed decision.
Beyond the Comparison: A Few More Considerations
While this comparison has covered the core aspects of both laptops, there are a few additional factors to consider:
- Software: Both Dell and Lenovo offer their own suite of software applications, which may be beneficial for some users.
- Customer Support: Both companies have solid customer support reputations, but there may be variations depending on your location and specific issue.
- Upgradability: Both laptops offer limited upgrade options, so it’s essential to choose a configuration that meets your long-term needs.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which laptop is better for traveling?
A: Both the Latitude 7490 and the X1 Carbon are excellent travel companions due to their lightweight design and long battery life. However, the X1 Carbon edges out slightly in portability thanks to its even lighter weight.
Q: Which laptop is better for demanding tasks like video editing?
A: Both laptops offer powerful processors and sufficient RAM for video editing, but neither comes with a dedicated graphics card. If you frequently engage in demanding graphics tasks, you might consider a laptop with dedicated graphics.
Q: Which laptop is more secure?
A: Both laptops offer robust security features, including fingerprint readers and dedicated security software. Ultimately, the level of security depends on the specific configuration and your personal security practices.
Q: Which laptop has a better keyboard?
A: The Lenovo X1 Carbon is widely acclaimed for its excellent keyboard, known for its comfortable typing experience and precise keystrokes. The Latitude 7490 also has a decent keyboard, but it may not be as comfortable or responsive as the X1 Carbon’s.
