What To Know
- The Dell Latitude 7490, on the other hand, adopts a more modern aesthetic with a sleek aluminum lid and a lighter overall design.
- While both displays are crisp and vibrant, the Latitude 7490 edges out slightly with its brighter and more color-accurate panel, making it a better choice for professionals who work with visuals.
- The ThinkPad T480 offers a classic design, exceptional durability, and a legendary keyboard, while the Latitude 7490 boasts a sleek aesthetic,….
Choosing the perfect business laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two powerhouses like the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 and the Dell Latitude 7490. Both laptops are renowned for their durability, performance, and security features, making them ideal companions for professionals on the go. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each laptop, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 embodies the classic ThinkPad design, with its iconic black chassis, rugged build, and signature red TrackPoint. Its magnesium alloy lid and reinforced base provide exceptional durability, making it a reliable choice for frequent travelers. The Dell Latitude 7490, on the other hand, adopts a more modern aesthetic with a sleek aluminum lid and a lighter overall design. Both laptops boast MIL-STD-810G certification, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Display
Both laptops offer 14-inch displays, but their specifications differ. The ThinkPad T480 offers a range of options, from standard HD to FHD with touch capabilities. The Latitude 7490 also offers FHD resolution, with an optional touchscreen and a high-brightness option for better outdoor visibility. While both displays are crisp and vibrant, the Latitude 7490 edges out slightly with its brighter and more color-accurate panel, making it a better choice for professionals who work with visuals.
Performance
Both laptops are powered by Intel 8th generation processors, offering ample performance for demanding tasks like multitasking, running demanding software, and handling complex spreadsheets. The ThinkPad T480 comes with options for Core i5 and Core i7 processors, while the Latitude 7490 offers a wider range of configurations, including Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 options. In terms of RAM and storage, both laptops offer up to 32GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage, ensuring smooth and responsive performance.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The ThinkPad T480’s keyboard is legendary for its comfortable typing experience, thanks to its renowned “ThinkPad” keyboard layout with excellent key travel and feedback. The Latitude 7490 also boasts a comfortable keyboard with a slightly shallower key travel, but still providing a satisfying typing experience. The ThinkPad T480’s TrackPoint, the iconic red nubbin in the center of the keyboard, offers precise cursor control for those who prefer a more traditional approach. The Latitude 7490’s trackpad is larger and more responsive, offering a more modern touch experience.
Ports and Connectivity
Both laptops are well-equipped in terms of ports and connectivity. The ThinkPad T480 offers a generous selection of ports, including two USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port, HDMI, RJ-45, and a microSD card reader. The Latitude 7490 also offers a similar selection of ports, including two USB 3.1 ports, one USB-C port, HDMI, RJ-45, and a microSD card reader. Both laptops support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for business professionals on the go. The ThinkPad T480 offers a battery life of up to 12 hours, while the Latitude 7490 promises up to 14 hours of battery life. Both laptops offer fast charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly power up your device when needed.
Security
Both laptops prioritize security, offering a range of features to protect your data. The ThinkPad T480 comes with a built-in fingerprint reader and a dTPM 2.0 chip for hardware-level encryption. The Latitude 7490 also features a fingerprint reader, a TPM 2.0 chip, and a facial recognition camera for added security. Both laptops offer advanced security features like self-encrypting drives and secure boot capabilities.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 and the Dell Latitude 7490 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. For those who value durability, classic design, and a comfortable keyboard, the ThinkPad T480 is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize a sleek design, a brighter display, and longer battery life, the Latitude 7490 might be a better fit.
The Verdict: More Than Just a Technical Spec Showdown
Both laptops are excellent choices for business professionals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The ThinkPad T480 offers a classic design, exceptional durability, and a legendary keyboard, while the Latitude 7490 boasts a sleek aesthetic, a brighter display, and longer battery life. Ultimately, the best laptop for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which laptop is better for travel?
Both laptops are excellent for travel, but the ThinkPad T480 might be slightly more durable due to its reinforced chassis.
Q: Which laptop has a better display for graphic design?
The Dell Latitude 7490 offers a brighter and more color-accurate display, making it a better choice for professionals who work with visuals.
Q: Which laptop is better for security?
Both laptops offer robust security features, including fingerprint readers and TPM chips. The Latitude 7490’s facial recognition camera provides an additional layer of security.
Q: Which laptop is better for students?
Both laptops are suitable for students, but the ThinkPad T480’s durability and legendary keyboard might make it a more appealing choice for those who are on the go.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 generally offers a more affordable price point compared to the Dell Latitude 7490. However, prices can fluctuate depending on configurations and promotions.
