ThinkPad X1 Carbon vs Dell Latitude 7490: Which One Should You Buy? A Comprehensive Comparison

Choosing the right business laptop is a crucial decision, and when it comes to premium options, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and Dell Latitude 7490 stand out as top contenders. Both laptops offer exceptional performance, durability, and sleek design, making it difficult to choose the perfect fit. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the features, pros, and cons of each device, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Performance: A Close Race for Productivity

Both the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and Dell Latitude 7490 are powered by Intel’s 8th generation processors, ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks. The X1 Carbon boasts a slightly faster processor, with options ranging from the Core i5-8265U to the Core i7-8665U, while the Latitude 7490 offers the Core i5-8350U and Core i7-8650U.
In terms of RAM, both laptops offer up to 16GB of DDR4 memory, sufficient for multitasking and running resource-intensive applications. However, the X1 Carbon has a slight edge with its faster memory speeds, contributing to a snappier user experience.
For storage, both laptops offer a range of options, including SSDs with capacities ranging from 256GB to 1TB. The X1 Carbon provides the option for NVMe SSDs, which offer faster data transfer speeds compared to SATA SSDs found in the Latitude 7490.

Display: A Feast for the Eyes

Both laptops feature stunning displays that cater to professionals who spend long hours working on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon boasts a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The Latitude 7490 also features a 14-inch IPS display, but with a slightly lower resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.
However, the Latitude 7490 compensates with its optional touchscreen display, allowing for intuitive navigation and interaction. The X1 Carbon, on the other hand, prioritizes a more traditional laptop experience with its non-touchscreen display.

Design and Durability: Built to Last

Both laptops are designed with durability and portability in mind, making them ideal for frequent travelers and on-the-go professionals. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon, known for its iconic ThinkPad design, features a lightweight magnesium-aluminum chassis, making it incredibly sturdy and lightweight. The Latitude 7490, while slightly heavier, boasts a robust aluminum and carbon fiber construction, ensuring exceptional durability.
Both laptops feature a comfortable keyboard and a spacious trackpad, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience. The X1 Carbon’s keyboard, known for its tactile feedback and excellent key travel, is a favorite among users. The Latitude 7490’s keyboard is equally impressive, offering a comfortable typing experience with a responsive and precise touchpad.

Battery Life: Powering Through the Day

Both laptops offer excellent battery life, allowing users to work productively throughout the day without worrying about frequent charging. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon boasts an impressive battery life of up to 15 hours, while the Latitude 7490 offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 13 hours.
The actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and settings. However, both laptops provide ample power to handle a full day of work, making them ideal for mobile professionals.

Connectivity: Staying Connected on the Move

Both laptops offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, ensuring seamless communication and data transfer. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, allowing for fast data transfer and connecting to external displays. It also includes two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader.
The Latitude 7490 offers a similar array of ports, including two USB-C ports (one with Thunderbolt 3 support), two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. Both laptops also include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for reliable wireless connectivity.

Security: Protecting Your Data

Both laptops prioritize security, offering a range of features to protect sensitive data. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon features a fingerprint reader and an optional IR camera for facial recognition, ensuring secure login access. It also includes a dTPM 2.0 chip for hardware-based encryption.
The Latitude 7490 also features a fingerprint reader and an optional IR camera for facial recognition. It also includes a TPM 2.0 chip for hardware-based encryption and Dell’s ControlVault 2.0 for secure storage of credentials and encryption keys.

The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Laptop for You

Both the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and Dell Latitude 7490 are exceptional business laptops, offering a blend of performance, durability, and portability. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon excels with its lightweight design, faster processor, and impressive battery life. The Dell Latitude 7490, on the other hand, offers a more affordable price point, a touchscreen display, and robust security features.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize portability, performance, and battery life, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is an excellent option. If you’re looking for a more affordable laptop with a touchscreen display and robust security features, the Dell Latitude 7490 is a solid contender.

The Ultimate Decision: Beyond the Specs

While the technical specifications provide a good foundation for comparison, the final decision often comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. Consider the following factors to make an informed choice:

• Budget: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon typically has a higher price tag than the Latitude 7490.
• Portability: The X1 Carbon is significantly lighter and more compact, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
• Display: The Latitude 7490 offers a touchscreen display, which can be beneficial for interactive tasks.
• Keyboard and Trackpad: Both laptops offer comfortable and responsive typing experiences.
• Security Features: Both laptops offer robust security features, but the Latitude 7490 has additional security options.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
Neither the ThinkPad X1 Carbon nor the Dell Latitude 7490 are designed for gaming. However, both laptops can handle casual gaming.
Q: Which laptop is better for video editing?
Both laptops offer sufficient performance for basic video editing. However, for more demanding video editing tasks, a dedicated graphics card may be required.
Q: Which laptop has a better trackpad?
Both laptops have excellent trackpads, but the ThinkPad X1 Carbon’s trackpad is slightly larger and more responsive.
Q: Which laptop has better customer support?
Both Dell and Lenovo offer excellent customer support. However, Dell may have a slight edge in terms of availability and responsiveness.
Q: Which laptop is better overall?
The best laptop for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a premium option with exceptional performance and portability, while the Dell Latitude 7490 offers a more affordable price point and a touchscreen display.