What To Know
- The Latitude 7490 offers a range of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, while the ThinkPad T490 also includes options like the AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors.
- It also features a dedicated trackpoint, a small red dot located between the G and H keys, which provides precise cursor control.
- The Latitude 7490 offers a battery life of up to 17 hours, while the ThinkPad T490 can last up to 14 hours on a single charge.
Choosing the right business laptop can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two heavyweights like the Dell Latitude 7490 and the ThinkPad T490. Both laptops are known for their durability, performance, and security features, but they cater to slightly different needs. This in-depth comparison will help you decide which laptop best suits your specific requirements and preferences.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Styles
The Dell Latitude 7490 and the ThinkPad T490 offer distinct design aesthetics. The Latitude 7490 boasts a sleek, modern design with a thin and light profile, making it ideal for frequent travelers. Its aluminum lid and magnesium alloy chassis contribute to its durability and premium feel.
The ThinkPad T490, on the other hand, sticks to the classic ThinkPad design language, featuring a more rugged and utilitarian look. Its black matte finish and reinforced lid ensure resilience against wear and tear. While it’s slightly thicker and heavier than the Latitude 7490, it still remains relatively portable.
Display: A Matter of Resolution and Touchscreen
Both laptops offer excellent display options, but they differ in their resolution and touchscreen capabilities. The Latitude 7490 comes with a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display that offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Some models also feature a touchscreen option for added versatility.
The ThinkPad T490, however, offers a wider range of display choices. You can opt for a Full HD or a higher resolution WQHD (2560 x 1440) display, providing even sharper and more detailed visuals. It also features a touchscreen option for both resolutions.
Performance: Powering Through Your Workday
Both the Latitude 7490 and the ThinkPad T490 are equipped with powerful processors and ample RAM to handle demanding tasks like multitasking, running resource-intensive applications, and video editing. The Latitude 7490 offers a range of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, while the ThinkPad T490 also includes options like the AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors.
In terms of RAM, both laptops offer up to 16GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring smooth performance even when running multiple applications simultaneously.
Keyboard and Touchpad: A Comfortable Typing Experience
The keyboard is a crucial aspect of any laptop, especially for business professionals who spend hours typing. The Latitude 7490 features a comfortable and responsive keyboard with a good amount of key travel. Its backlit keys provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
The ThinkPad T490, known for its legendary keyboards, takes things up a notch. Its iconic ThinkPad keyboard offers a satisfying typing experience with excellent tactile feedback and a comfortable layout. It also features a dedicated trackpoint, a small red dot located between the G and H keys, which provides precise cursor control.
Battery Life: Staying Productive on the Go
Both laptops boast impressive battery life, allowing you to work productively throughout the day without worrying about constantly searching for an outlet. The Latitude 7490 offers a battery life of up to 17 hours, while the ThinkPad T490 can last up to 14 hours on a single charge.
Security: Protecting Your Data
In the business world, data security is paramount. Both the Latitude 7490 and the ThinkPad T490 offer robust security features to protect your sensitive information. The Latitude 7490 comes with Dell’s Data Security and Management suite, which includes features like fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0 chip, and Dell ControlVault 2.0 for enhanced security.
The ThinkPad T490 also features a fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0 chip, and ThinkPad’s own security features, including ThinkShutter for webcam privacy and a dTPM 2.0 chip for secure boot and data encryption.
Ports and Connectivity: Staying Connected
Both laptops offer a wide range of ports and connectivity options to suit your needs. The Latitude 7490 features multiple USB Type-A and Type-C ports, HDMI output, microSD card reader, and an optional Thunderbolt 3 port.
The ThinkPad T490 also offers a similar range of ports, including USB Type-A and Type-C ports, HDMI output, microSD card reader, and a dedicated RJ45 Ethernet port for wired connections.
Verdict: Choosing the Right Laptop for You
The Dell Latitude 7490 and the ThinkPad T490 are both excellent business laptops with their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Latitude 7490 excels in its sleek design, lightweight build, and long battery life, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
The ThinkPad T490, on the other hand, offers a more robust build, a legendary keyboard, and a wider range of display options, making it a better choice for users who prioritize durability and a comfortable typing experience.
Ultimately, the best laptop for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability and sleek aesthetics, the Latitude 7490 is a great option. If you prefer a rugged build, a legendary keyboard, and a wide range of display choices, the ThinkPad T490 is the better choice.
The Final Word: Beyond the Comparison
While the Latitude 7490 and the ThinkPad T490 are both top contenders in the business laptop market, they represent different philosophies. The Latitude 7490 embodies sleekness and portability, while the ThinkPad T490 focuses on durability and a classic typing experience.
Beyond the technical specifications, consider your personal preferences and how the laptop will fit into your workflow. Do you prioritize a minimalist design or a familiar, comfortable keyboard? The answer lies in your unique needs and how each laptop can empower you to achieve your goals.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q1: Which laptop is better for gaming?
Neither the Latitude 7490 nor the ThinkPad T490 are designed for gaming. While they can handle casual games, they lack dedicated graphics cards and are not ideal for demanding gaming experiences.
Q2: Which laptop is more affordable?
The Latitude 7490 tends to be slightly more expensive than the ThinkPad T490, but the price difference can vary depending on the specific configurations and deals available.
Q3: Which laptop is better for students?
Both laptops are suitable for students, but the ThinkPad T490’s rugged build and comfortable keyboard might be more appealing for students who need a durable laptop for everyday use.
Q4: Does the Latitude 7490 have a touchscreen option?
Yes, some models of the Latitude 7490 offer a touchscreen option, providing added versatility for interacting with the laptop.
Q5: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on these laptops?
Both laptops offer upgrade options for RAM and storage, allowing you to customize them based on your specific needs.
