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The Dell Latitude 7480, once a shining beacon in the world of business laptops, elicits a wave of nostalgia for many. Released several years ago, it represented a sweet spot between portability, performance, and price. But in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, where newer, sleeker, and more powerful laptops emerge almost daily, the question arises: Does the Dell Latitude 7480 still hold its own as a relevant workhorse in the present day? For many businesses, and value-conscious consumers, understanding the value of older models like the Dell Latitude 7480 can open opporutnities for cost saving.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and objective assessment of the Dell Latitude 7480 in the current year. We’ll delve into its design, build quality, display, performance, battery life, and overall value proposition, comparing it against modern alternatives and examining whether it can still meet the demands of today’s professionals and students. If you’re considering the Dell Latitude 7480 as a budget-friendly option, or simply curious about its enduring appeal, read on to discover if this classic business laptop is right for you. This deep dive will help you understand all factors involved in purchasing a Dell Latitude 7480.
Design and Build
The Dell Latitude 7480 exudes a sense of understated professionalism. It doesn’t scream for attention with flashy aesthetics, but rather presents a clean and functional design that’s well-suited for the corporate environment. Typically clad in a matte black or dark gray finish, the Dell Latitude 7480 often features a carbon fiber or magnesium alloy chassis. This provides a nice blend of strength and lightweight design.
The build quality of the Dell Latitude 7480 is generally excellent. The chassis feels sturdy and resistant to flex, instilling confidence that it can withstand the rigors of daily use and travel. The hinge is typically robust, allowing the screen to be opened and closed smoothly without wobble. While it might not be marketed as a ruggedized laptop, many users have reported its ability to withstand accidental bumps and scrapes. The portability is a real asset; with dimensions that make it easy to slip into a bag and a weight that won’t weigh you down, the Dell Latitude 7480 is a true mobile companion.
Dell understood that connectivity is crucial for business users when designing the Dell Latitude 7480. The port selection is more than adequate, offering a good mix of modern and legacy options. You’ll typically find multiple USB-A ports for connecting older peripherals, a USB-C port for newer devices and faster data transfer, an HDMI port for external displays, and an Ethernet port for reliable wired networking. A headphone jack and an SD card reader are also commonly included, catering to a wide range of user needs. The placement of these ports is generally well-thought-out, avoiding awkward crowding and making it easy to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
Display and Audio Experience
The display on the Dell Latitude 7480 was offered in several configurations, ranging from a basic HD panel to a more desirable Full HD (FHD) option. Some models even featured touchscreens for added versatility. The quality of the display can vary depending on the specific configuration. While the HD panel might suffice for basic tasks, the FHD display offers a sharper and more detailed picture, making it better suited for tasks like document editing, web browsing, and watching videos.
Brightness and color accuracy are important considerations, and the FHD display on the Dell Latitude 7480 generally performs reasonably well in these areas. It is bright enough for comfortable use in most indoor environments, and the colors are generally accurate enough for everyday tasks. However, professional photographers or graphic designers might find the color gamut to be somewhat limited. Viewing angles are generally good, allowing for comfortable viewing from different positions.
In terms of audio, the Dell Latitude 7480 features built-in speakers that are adequate for casual listening and video conferencing. The sound quality is clear enough for dialogue and spoken word, but it lacks the bass and richness for a truly immersive audio experience. The microphone performance is generally decent, making it suitable for clear and effective video calls. However, for serious audio recording or music listening, external headphones or speakers are recommended. The webcam typically delivers a functional image for video calls, although it may lack the sharpness and clarity of newer, higher-resolution webcams. It is generally adequate for business meetings and online classes.
Keyboard and Trackpad Feel
One of the standout features of the Dell Latitude 7480 is its excellent keyboard. The keys offer a good amount of travel and tactile feedback, making for a comfortable and accurate typing experience. The keyboard layout is well-spaced and familiar, minimizing the learning curve for users accustomed to standard laptop keyboards. Many models also feature backlighting, allowing for easy typing in dimly lit environments.
The trackpad on the Dell Latitude 7480 is equally impressive. It is generously sized and highly responsive, allowing for smooth and precise cursor control. The trackpad also supports multi-finger gestures, such as scrolling, zooming, and switching between applications. These gestures are intuitive and easy to use, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows. Whether you’re navigating documents, browsing the web, or editing spreadsheets, the keyboard and trackpad on the Dell Latitude 7480 provide a comfortable and efficient input experience.
Performance and Technical Specifications
Under the hood, the Dell Latitude 7480 was offered with a range of Intel Core i5 and i7 processor options. These processors provided ample power for typical business tasks such as document editing, web browsing, email, and video conferencing. The Intel Core i7 processors offered a performance boost for more demanding tasks such as video editing or running complex simulations.
The amount of RAM and storage also varied depending on the specific configuration. Most models came with at least eight gigabytes of RAM, which is sufficient for most everyday tasks. However, users who frequently work with large files or run multiple applications simultaneously might benefit from sixteen gigabytes or more. The Dell Latitude 7480 typically features a solid-state drive (SSD) for storage, which provides fast boot times and quick application loading. SSDs also contribute to the overall responsiveness of the system. Thankfully, both RAM and storage are typically upgradable on the Dell Latitude 7480, giving users the flexibility to expand their system’s capabilities as needed.
Graphics processing is handled by integrated Intel HD Graphics, which are sufficient for most business applications and light multimedia tasks. However, the Dell Latitude 7480 is not designed for gaming or other graphics-intensive applications. While it can handle basic video editing and photo editing, it will struggle with more demanding tasks.
In real-world use, the Dell Latitude 7480 delivers a smooth and responsive performance. It boots up quickly, applications launch promptly, and multitasking is handled with ease. It is well-suited for handling everyday tasks such as browsing the web, creating documents, giving presentations, and communicating with colleagues.
Battery Performance
Battery life is always a key consideration for any portable device, and the Dell Latitude 7480 delivers reasonable performance in this area. The battery capacity varies depending on the specific model, but it is typically sufficient to provide several hours of use on a single charge.
In real-world use, you can expect the Dell Latitude 7480 to last for around six to eight hours on a single charge, depending on your usage patterns. Light browsing, document editing, and email will consume less power than video playback or heavy multitasking. The charging time is also relatively quick, allowing you to top up the battery in a reasonable amount of time. However, it’s worth noting that battery life can degrade over time, so a used Dell Latitude 7480 may not deliver the same battery performance as a new one.
Security Features
Security is paramount for business laptops, and the Dell Latitude 7480 offers a comprehensive suite of security features. It includes a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip, which provides hardware-based encryption and security. Many models also feature a fingerprint reader or smart card reader, allowing for secure biometric authentication.
In addition to hardware security features, the Dell Latitude 7480 also includes Dell’s security software, such as Dell Data Protection. This software provides features such as data encryption, malware protection, and threat prevention. These security features help to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
Lightweight and portable design makes it easy to carry around.
The keyboard and trackpad offer a comfortable and efficient input experience.
Provides solid performance for everyday business tasks.
Good selection of ports ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Robust security features protect sensitive data.
Cons
Integrated graphics limit demanding graphics-intensive tasks.
The display may not be as bright or vibrant as newer laptops.
The hardware may be aging depending on the specific configuration.
Alternative Options
While the Dell Latitude 7480 remains a viable option, it’s important to consider some alternative laptops that offer similar features and performance. Newer Dell Latitude models, such as the Latitude 7400 series or Latitude 7420 series, offer improved performance, battery life, and display quality. The Lenovo ThinkPad series, such as the ThinkPad X1 Carbon or ThinkPad T480s, are also excellent alternatives, offering a similar focus on durability, security, and performance. The HP EliteBook series, such as the EliteBook 840 G5 or EliteBook 840 G6, are another worthy option, offering a good balance of features, performance, and price.
Conclusion: Is it Still Worth it?
In conclusion, the Dell Latitude 7480 remains a relevant workhorse in the current landscape, particularly for users seeking a reliable and affordable business laptop. Its lightweight design, comfortable keyboard, solid performance, and robust security features make it a good choice for professionals, students, and anyone who needs a portable and dependable laptop. While its integrated graphics and aging hardware may limit its appeal for demanding users, it offers excellent value for money.
The Dell Latitude 7480 is best suited for users who prioritize portability, durability, and affordability over cutting-edge performance and graphics capabilities. If you need a laptop for everyday tasks such as document editing, web browsing, email, and video conferencing, the Dell Latitude 7480 is a solid option. However, if you need a laptop for gaming, video editing, or other graphics-intensive tasks, you may want to consider a newer model with dedicated graphics. Ultimately, the Dell Latitude 7480 is a classic business laptop that continues to offer good value and performance in the present day, especially for those looking for a budget friendly option without compromising on some key features.
