Lately, so very much of the excitement in the thinking machine universe has been related to brand new, powerful gaming notebooks and ultra-thin laptops. Perhaps it’s time for a nice review of a regular-ol’ business notebook. Fixated on its strength and safety properties, the Dell Latitude 5490 is perfect for the productivity fanatic, or any business-user with a serious conscious about their security. The 14-inch Latitude 5490 is a mid-range laptop, predominantly constructed of super solid plastic, similar to other species of the Latitude 5000 series. Its form factor is on the side of heavy-duty, also meaning that this is generally a larger, heavier machine. The design is subtle, conservative, and maybe even to humdrum to some, with a traditional dark gray color.

Measurements of the Latitude 5490 include 0.8 x 13.1 x 9.0 inches, a larger laptop than many of its contenders, as well as heavier than some, at 3.52 pounds. It features a 1080 x 1920 FHD Non-Touch Anti-Glare display, rated a bit on the low side, at just 220 nits. Decent enough for apps, but because of the lackluster brightness, it’s not going to visually blow you away. This might be the bummer of the model- the weakest link, if you will, reproducing just 65 percent of the sRGB spectrum (much lower than the 107 percent average, when compared to anything premium-ranged. The island-style keyboard has been improved, with a more tactical feeling while pressing down on the keys. It’s responsive and comfortable. If the smaller touchpads bother you, this model’s got one, but it sports the now seldom-seen rubber pointer laid in the middle of the keyboard. This sort of machine is well found in businesses and organizations, for employees who need stability, without the worry of wear and tear. It is their virtual office, after all.

The $799.00 base configuration features Intel’s Core i3-8130U, while the $1459.00 top-end version is powered by the Core i7-8650U. For the middle of the road option, the $999.00 Latitude 5490 includes an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U, boosting the device up to 3.4GHz Turbo. Inside this model, you’ll also find 8GB of memory, upgradable to 32GB, and a 2.5-inch 256GB to 500GB SATA hard drive. For graphics, there’s an Intel UHD Graphics 620 chip, notching the 5490’s above the category average in terms of performing dense Excel spreadsheets, as well as gaming tests. A variety of ports are spread across the perimeter, including an audio combo jack, VGA port, USB 3.1, and security lock on the right side, and a USB Type-C, USB 3.1 port, SD card slot, and Smart Card reader on the left. Then, along the rear, lives an Ethernet port, HDMI port, another USB 3.1, and an AC power adapter. Finally, connectivity includes Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8265 Wi-Fi, a BT 4.2 Wireless Card, and Bluetooth 4.1.

As the sturdiness to its design allows for long-term use, and protection from breaking into bits, it’s potential for internal stealth resides in its powerful security options. The word, “potential” (or optional), is the only downfall here- as the FIPS 201 smart card reader, contactless Smart Card Reader NFC with Control Vault, and fingerprint reader are only available depending on your choice to configure it. There is standard TPM 2.0 on board, and its Noble Wedge Lock Slot will be there to aid in physical theft prevention.

Bearing the latest 5000-series design, the 5490 should be a popular choice for business-charged people. The Dell Latitude 5490 provides the correct IT system attributes, at just the right cost. It embodies the proper hardware for operating heavy tasks, and functions well doing so. Yet, it’s also powerful in more than this manner. There are also enough productivity tools to assist users during a presentation or board meeting. Although there’s no Thunderbolt, its VGA port is just right for handling the laptop to an older monitor, usually in the setting of a conference room presentation. Additionally, its battery is pumped, ready for up to 16 hours of use. That’s enough power for any business man or woman to handle an entire work day. Although the entirety of the external design may seem like it doesn’t quite pop, it’s not an unattractive laptop. However, it is a bit on the heavy side in this class of business laptops.