Dell Latitude 5490 Review | Core i5 8th Gen | 8GB RAM + 256GB SSD
In the modern workplace, having the right laptop can make all the difference. For professionals, students, and businesses seeking reliability, performance, and portability, the Dell Latitude 5490 stands out as one of the most trusted options. Powered by Intel’s 8th Generation Core i5 processor, equipped with 8GB RAM, and backed by a speedy 256GB SSD, this 14-inch laptop is designed to deliver consistent performance in demanding environments.
1. Overview of the Dell Latitude 5490
The Dell Latitude 5490 is part of Dell’s renowned Latitude business series, designed with enterprise-grade durability, security, and performance. Unlike consumer laptops, Latitude models focus on reliability and efficiency, making them a top choice for professionals who need a laptop that can handle long hours of work, multitasking, and travel.
2. Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the Latitude 5490 boasts a clean, professional look. The chassis is sturdy and built with high-quality materials, ensuring long-term durability. Weighing around 3.5 pounds, it strikes the right balance between portability and solid build quality.
Its 14-inch form factor makes it compact enough to slip into a backpack or business bag, while the spill-resistant keyboard and reinforced hinges ensure it can withstand the rigors of daily commuting or travel.
3. Performance & Productivity
Under the hood, the Latitude 5490 is powered by an Intel Core i5 8th Generation processor. This quad-core CPU provides a significant boost in performance compared to earlier generations, making it ideal for multitasking, office applications, browsing, and even light creative workloads.
The 8GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth performance when running multiple programs, while the 256GB SSD delivers fast boot times, quick application launches, and improved overall responsiveness compared to traditional hard drives.
4. Display & Graphics
The Dell Latitude 5490 features a 14-inch HD anti-glare display that offers crisp visuals suitable for everyday tasks. The anti-glare coating is particularly useful for users working in brightly lit environments, reducing reflections and eye strain.
While the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 isn’t meant for gaming or intensive design work, it performs well for productivity tasks, streaming, and presentations.
5. Ports & Connectivity
One of the standout features of the Latitude 5490 is its excellent range of connectivity options. Dell has included a generous set of ports to ensure maximum compatibility with accessories and peripherals.
- 3 x USB 3.1 ports
- 1 x USB Type-C port
- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x VGA
- 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port
- SD card reader
- Headphone/microphone combo jack
6. Battery Life
Equipped with an efficient 4-cell battery, the Latitude 5490 provides solid battery life for business use. Depending on usage, it can last between 6–9 hours on a full charge, making it reliable for a full workday. Power management settings also allow users to optimize battery life further when on the go.
7. Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor | Basic HD display (not Full HD) |
| Fast SSD for quick boot and load times | Integrated graphics only |
| Durable, business-class build quality | Not designed for heavy gaming |
| Excellent range of connectivity ports | Battery life varies with workload |
8. Comparisons with Similar Models
When compared to the Dell Latitude 5480 (its predecessor), the 5490 introduces upgraded processors and improved performance.
Versus consumer-grade laptops like the Dell Inspiron series, the Latitude 5490 offers superior durability, enhanced security, and more connectivity options—features that are essential for professionals.
9. Who is it for?
The Dell Latitude 5490 is perfect for:
- Business professionals needing reliability and security
- Students looking for a portable yet powerful laptop
- Companies seeking bulk deployments of durable laptops
- Remote workers who need speed, battery life, and portability
10. Conclusion
The Dell Latitude 5490 strikes a balance between performance, durability, and portability. Its Intel Core i5 8th Gen processor, 8GB RAM, and SSD storage provide the power needed for modern productivity, while its compact 14-inch design makes it easy to carry.
Whether you’re a student, business professional, or entrepreneur, the Latitude 5490 is an excellent investment for those seeking a dependable work laptop.