The Dell Latitude 5490 (starts at $799; $1,459 as tested) makes no bones about being an all-business laptop.
Its style might be a bit dull, and it's not as thin and light as comparable models, but when it comes to performance, it makes a solid case as a workday companion.
The model we tested runs on a robust eighth-generation Core i7-8650U CPU with 8GB of RAM, and is backed by more than 15 hours of battery life.
It beats the performance of the Editors' Choice Lenovo ThinkPad T470 (which packed a previous-generation Core i5 in our test unit), but it lacks that model's comfortable keyboard and even longer battery life.
Still, overall, the Latitude 5490 is a strong performer that will please most business users.
Ready for Work
While one might make the case that the Latitude 5490 is subtle and restrained in its minimalist design, it comes off as slightly stodgy.
The dark gray chassis is made of carbon fiber, with a Dell logo emblazoned in the center of the lid.
It's not an unattractive design; there's just nothing about it that really pops.
At 0.8 by 13.1 by 9, the 5490 is slightly larger in every direction than the ThinkPad T470 and the 13-inch Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon ($1,019.99 at Amazon) , also an Editors' Choice.
At 3.52 pounds, it's a bit lighter than the T470, but about a pound heavier than the X1 Carbon.
The 14-inch 1,080-by-1,920 full HD touch screen looks decent enough for apps, but it's only rated for 220 nits, identical to the Lenovo T470 but far dimmer and less pixel-packed than the 13-inch MacBook Pro's 2,560-by-1,600 resolution screen (500 nits).
The glossy display does have a slight glare, but nothing too distracting, although the X1 Carbon employs a protective layer to avoid this problem.
The webcam is centered above the display and captures decent images and video.
The built-in speakers, located under the laptop's front edge, produce rather tinny audio.
However, aside from lacking bass and some lower mid-tones, the sound isn't distorted.
Pragmatic Keyboard and Plenty of Ports
The island-style backlit keyboard and touchpad are responsive and feel comfortable.
The touchpad is small, but you have the option of using the old-school rubber pointing stick in the middle of the keyboard.
The large conspicuous power button, located in the upper right-hand corner of the keyboard, is nicely designed, with a line of white light down the center, and stands out from the other keys.
Unlike the 13-inch MacBook Pro , which has a connectivity selection that tops out at just two USB-C ports and one audio port, the Latitude 5490 spreads a variety of ports across the sides and back of the laptop. On the right side are an audio combo jack, a USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, a VGA port, and a receptacle for a security lock.
On the rear, you'll find an Ethernet port (RJ 45), an HDMI port, another USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, and the AC power adapter.
Finally, on the left are a USB Type-C port (without Thunderbolt support), a third USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, an SD-card slot reader, and a Smart Card reader.
The inclusion of the legacy VGA port, which we also saw on the Latitude 3490, comes in handy for connecting the laptop to an older monitor or conference-room display, but we'd gladly trade it for a more forward-thinking Thunderbolt connector.
For wireless connections, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 are included.
Dell offers a one-year warranty with the 5490.
A Good Value to Keep You Competitive
Our top-end version of the Latitude 5490 is powered by the Core i7-8650U CPU with integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 and 8GM of RAM, and a 256GB solid-state drive.
The entry-level version goes for $799 and packs an eighth-generation Intel Core i3-8130U, 4GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive.
Various configurations are available in between.
The 5490 did quite well on the PCMark 8 Work Conventional benchmark test, which measures general computing performance by simulating web browsing, video conferencing, and other basic tasks.
In fact, it outscored the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, the ThinkPad T470, and even the HP EliteBook 1040 G4 ($1,479.00 at HP) .
Although targeted at business, we found it well equipped to handle various multimedia tasks superbly, such as prepping images via Photoshop macros.
On our multimedia tests (Handbrake, 1:05; CineBench, 593 points; Photoshop 2:50), this Dell again proved to be a very capable laptop.
See How We Test Laptops
Like most laptops with integrated graphics, though, the 5490 had underwhelming gaming performance scores.
Three of the four scores in our Heaven and Valley game simulations were lower than 30 frames per second, which we consider to be the absolute minimum threshold for enjoyable gaming.
You'll want to stick to Minecraft and Solitaire when you're not busy working.
Long battery life, however, is crucial for a business-class laptop.
Our battery-life test, which involves continuously playing a local video file at 50 percent screen brightness, found the Latitude 5490 lasts more than 15 hours (15:39).
That's more than enough to get you through a long work day and some pleasure time at home, but it was still outlasted by the ThinkPad Carbon X1.
Versatile Business Laptop
While the configuration we tested is pricey, the Dell Latitude 5490 is a good value for those looking for an efficient, productive business laptop with lots of ports and power.
It allows you multiple ways of navigating, via the touch screen, touchpad, or even the rubber pointer stick, and connecting peripherals, like a VGA monitor.
It could also be a decent laptop to present your PowerPoint or other presentations, especially if you are including multimedia and require long battery life, but you'll want to use external speakers for audio.
But if you're looking for a laptop with a classy design and Thunderbolt support, and don't mind shaving an inch off the screen size, consider the Dell XPS 13 (9370) ($784.78 at Dell) .
Or, for even longer battery life and one of our favorite keyboards, check out the Editors' Choice Lenovo ThinkPad T470.
The Bottom Line
While the Dell Latitude 5490 may not turn heads with its design, this business laptop's wealth of connectivity and strong performance make it a great workday companion.
