Here’s a detailed table of the specifications for the Dell Latitude 7480:
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i5-7300U or i7-7600U |
Operating System | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit |
Memory (RAM) | 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB DDR4 |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD |
Display | 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) or HD (1366 x 768) |
Graphics | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 |
Battery | 4-cell (60Wh) or 3-cell (42Wh) battery |
Ports | USB 3.0, HDMI, USB-C, SD card reader, Smart Card reader, RJ-45, Headphone/Microphone combo jack |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 |
Camera | HD Webcam |
Dimensions | 13.03 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches (330.9 x 221.9 x 17.05 mm) |
Weight | Starting at 3.01 lbs (1.36 kg) |
Security Features | TPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, Smart Card Reader, Contactless Smart Card Reader (optional) |
Dell Latitude 7480: A Comprehensive Overview
The Dell Latitude 7480 is a business-class laptop designed for professionals who need performance, durability, and a range of features suitable for productivity on the go. Released as part of Dell’s Latitude 7000 series, the 7480 offers a blend of performance, security, and mobility, making it a popular choice for business users, frequent travelers, and those who work remotely. Below, we’ll dive into a detailed review of the Dell Latitude 7480, covering its specifications, design, performance, and other notable features.
Design and Build Quality
The Dell Latitude 7480 features a sleek, minimalistic design that balances aesthetics with functionality. It is constructed with durable materials to withstand daily wear and tear, making it suitable for regular use and traveling.
Build Material:
The chassis is primarily made from magnesium alloy, offering durability while keeping the laptop lightweight. The lid has a soft-touch matte finish, which provides a premium feel and resists fingerprints, adding to the overall professional look of the laptop.
Weight and Dimensions:
With a weight of around 3 pounds (1.36 kg) and a slim profile, the Latitude 7480 is easy to carry around. The laptop measures approximately 0.68 inches (17.05 mm) in thickness, making it convenient to fit into backpacks and briefcases without adding bulk.
Hinges and Durability:
The laptop’s sturdy hinges allow the screen to open up to 180 degrees, offering flexibility in viewing angles. These hinges are designed to endure repeated openings and closings, ensuring longevity.
Design Highlights:
- Slim, portable build.
- Matte finish for a professional appearance.
- Durable hinges for varied screen angles.
Display Options
The Dell Latitude 7480 comes with multiple display options to cater to different user needs, offering a mix of resolution, brightness, and touch capabilities.
Screen Size and Aspect Ratio:
The laptop features a 14-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is a standard size for a business laptop, providing enough screen real estate without compromising portability.
Display Resolutions:
- HD (1366 x 768): This is the base display option, suitable for basic tasks like browsing, word processing, and other standard office applications.
- Full HD (1920 x 1080): The Full HD option offers clearer visuals, better color reproduction, and is great for multimedia consumption, spreadsheets, and multitasking.
- Touchscreen Option: A Full HD touchscreen variant is available, providing a more interactive experience for users who prefer using touch-based input for certain tasks.
Color and Brightness:
The Full HD display option generally offers better color accuracy and brightness levels, making it ideal for users who require clear and vibrant visuals, like graphic designers or video editors.
Performance and Specifications
Performance is one of the core strengths of the Dell Latitude 7480. The laptop is built to handle business workloads efficiently while maintaining power and battery optimization.
Processor (CPU):
The Latitude 7480 is equipped with 7th-generation Intel Core processors (Kaby Lake), ranging from:
- Intel Core i3: For basic office tasks and web browsing.
- Intel Core i5: A balanced option for multitasking, office applications, and light creative work.
- Intel Core i7: Best for power users who require fast processing for complex tasks, large spreadsheets, or software development.
Memory (RAM):
- Comes with options of 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of DDR4 RAM.
- Memory can be upgraded to 32GB, allowing for seamless multitasking and handling of heavy applications like virtual machines or data analysis tools.
Storage Options:
- SATA HDD or SSD: For basic users who require large storage capacity.
- PCIe NVMe SSD: Faster boot times, quicker data access, and improved overall performance.
The storage capacity can range from 128GB to 1TB, depending on the configuration.
Graphics:
The laptop uses integrated Intel HD Graphics 620, which is sufficient for business applications, video streaming, and light photo editing. However, it is not designed for gaming or heavy graphic-intensive tasks.
Performance Highlights:
- Multiple CPU options for different user needs.
- Upgradable RAM for improved multitasking.
- Fast NVMe SSD options for storage.
Keyboard and Trackpad Experience
A good keyboard and trackpad are essential for a productive business laptop, and the Latitude 7480 delivers a solid input experience.
Keyboard:
- The keyboard is spill-resistant and backlit, which allows for typing in low-light conditions.
- The keys have a good amount of travel (about 1.5mm) and tactile feedback, offering a comfortable typing experience for prolonged periods.
- The layout is standard with well-spaced keys, making it easy to adjust for most users.
Trackpad:
- The precision trackpad is smooth and responsive, with multi-gesture support.
- It includes integrated buttons, providing a clicky and tactile response.
Additional Input Options:
- The laptop also features a pointing stick (TrackPoint) in the middle of the keyboard, offering an alternative to the trackpad for navigation, a feature appreciated by some business users.
Connectivity and Ports
The Dell Latitude 7480 offers a variety of ports, ensuring connectivity options for all kinds of peripherals and networking needs.
Port Options:
- USB 3.0 Ports (2-3): Allows for fast data transfer and connection of peripherals like keyboards, mice, and external storage devices.
- Thunderbolt 3/USB Type-C: Supports charging, data transfer, and display output, making it versatile for modern accessories and external displays.
- HDMI Port: Direct connection to external monitors, projectors, or TVs for presentations and extended displays.
- RJ45 Ethernet Port: Wired internet connection for faster and stable network access, particularly useful in office environments.
- MicroSD Card Reader: Easy transfer of data from mobile devices, cameras, or other portable storage media.
Wireless Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: Supports dual-band 802.11ac for fast and stable wireless internet connectivity.
- Bluetooth: Allows for connecting wireless peripherals like headsets, keyboards, and mice.
Battery Life and Power Management
The Dell Latitude 7480 is designed to offer long battery life, ensuring that professionals can work throughout the day without frequently needing to recharge.
Battery Options:
- The laptop offers different battery options, including a 42Wh and a 60Wh battery, with the latter providing longer usage time.
- Depending on usage, screen brightness, and workload, the Latitude 7480 can last up to 8-12 hours on a full charge, making it ideal for full workdays and travel.
Power Management Software:
- Dell Power Manager allows users to control power settings, extending battery life through power-saving modes and optimizing charging cycles to prolong battery health.
Security Features
Security is a priority for business laptops, and the Latitude 7480 includes a variety of features to protect data and user privacy.
Security Options:
- Fingerprint Reader: Integrated into the power button, providing biometric login for secure and fast access.
- Smart Card Reader: Allows for additional authentication through physical smart cards, commonly used in corporate environments.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): Provides hardware-based encryption, enhancing data security and preventing unauthorized access.
- Optional IR Camera: Supports facial recognition through Windows Hello for secure login.
These security features make the Latitude 7480 a safe choice for sensitive work environments, protecting against data breaches and unauthorized access.
Audio and Camera Quality
Audio Quality:
The laptop is equipped with dual speakers located on the sides, providing clear and sufficient sound for video conferencing, multimedia playback, and general audio output.
Microphone and Webcam:
- The integrated HD webcam provides clear visuals for video calls and online meetings.
- The dual-array microphones enhance voice clarity during calls, reducing background noise.
Software and Operating System
The Dell Latitude 7480 is commonly shipped with Windows 10 Pro, tailored for business use with features like BitLocker encryption and remote desktop support. However, it is also compatible with Windows 11 and Linux-based operating systems, giving flexibility for users who prefer an alternative OS.
Dell provides software utilities like:
- Dell Command Update: Automatically keeps drivers and firmware up-to-date.
- Dell Power Manager: For managing battery and power settings.
Upgradability and Maintenance
The Latitude 7480 offers easy access to internal components, allowing users to upgrade RAM, storage, and other parts.
Upgrade Process:
- The back cover is secured by a few screws, and once removed, users can access the RAM slots, storage drives, and battery.
- This makes it simple to upgrade components as needs change over time, enhancing the laptop’s lifespan and performance.
Real-world Usage and Scenarios
The Dell Latitude 7480 is suitable for various professional environments, including:
- Office Work: Ideal for tasks like document creation, email management, and spreadsheet editing.
- Remote Work and Travel: Lightweight and long battery life make it perfect for remote work and travel.
- Business Presentations: HDMI and USB-C support allow easy connectivity to external displays and projectors.
- Secure Environments: With multiple security features, it is fit for handling sensitive data and corporate use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable, lightweight design.
- Strong battery life.
- Comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad.
- Multiple security options.
- Good range of ports for connectivity.
Cons:
- Integrated graphics may limit performance for graphic-intensive tasks.
- Limited display options compared to some competitors.
- Standard design might lack aesthetic flair for some users.
Conclusion
The Dell Latitude 7480 is a robust business laptop that balances portability, performance, and security. Its design caters to professionals who need a reliable machine for day-to-day work, offering long battery life and various connectivity options. While it may not be suited for high-end gaming or graphic-intensive work, its solid performance, durability, and security features make it an excellent choice for business users and those who require a dependable laptop for work or travel. Overall, the Latitude 7480 stands as a strong contender in the business laptop market, offering a well-rounded experience for a wide range of professional needs.