Dell E7470: A Comprehensive Review
The Dell Latitude E7470 is a highly-regarded business laptop, known for its balance between performance, build quality, and security features. Designed with professionals in mind, this ultrabook offers portability, functionality, and an array of features that make it ideal for everyday office work. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects that make the Dell E7470 stand out in the competitive world of business laptops.
Overview of the Dell E7470
The Dell E7470 is part of Dell’s Latitude series, which is specifically geared toward business users. This series is known for its robust design, enterprise-level security, and high-performance capabilities. The E7470, released in 2016, follows this tradition and offers a well-rounded experience with features that suit both office and on-the-go professionals.
The laptop comes with a 14-inch display, a lightweight chassis, and a full-sized keyboard, making it ideal for users who need a portable yet powerful machine. With a focus on productivity, the Dell E7470 is built to deliver reliable performance without compromising on style or durability.
Design and Build Quality
One of the key selling points of the Dell E7470 is its design and build quality. The laptop features a sleek, black matte finish with a magnesium alloy body that provides a premium feel while being highly durable. Weighing around 1.54 kg (3.4 lbs), it is easy to carry, making it a great companion for frequent travelers or professionals who need to move between meetings.
The laptop is also designed to withstand tough conditions. It is MIL-STD-810G tested, ensuring it can handle shocks, drops, and extreme temperatures. This makes the Dell E7470 a solid choice for those who work in harsh environments or need a laptop that can endure a bit of rough handling.
Display and Visual Experience
The Dell E7470 comes with a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display, providing a crisp and clear viewing experience. Whether you’re working on documents, browsing the web, or watching videos, the display offers excellent color accuracy and brightness levels.
For users who require even better resolution, there is also a Quad HD (2560 x 1440) option available. The anti-glare coating on the screen makes it easier to work in brightly lit environments without worrying about reflections. The wide viewing angles further enhance the overall visual experience, making the Dell E7470 suitable for presentations or media consumption.
Performance and Specifications
When it comes to performance, the Dell E7470 does not disappoint. It is powered by Intel’s 6th generation Skylake processors, with options ranging from Intel Core i5 to Intel Core i7. These processors, combined with up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM, ensure smooth multitasking and efficient handling of most business applications.
For storage, the Dell E7470 offers SSD options, with sizes ranging from 128GB to 512GB. The SSD not only provides faster boot times but also enhances the overall performance of the laptop, making file access and application launches quicker.
Graphics performance is handled by Intel’s integrated HD Graphics 520, which is suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback. While the laptop isn’t designed for gaming or heavy graphic workloads, it handles business-related tasks with ease.
Battery Life
One of the most important factors for business users is battery life, and the Dell E7470 delivers in this area. The laptop is equipped with a 4-cell 55WHr battery, which provides an average of 8-10 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on the tasks being performed.
For those who need to work on the go without worrying about running out of power, the battery life of the Dell E7470 makes it a dependable option. Additionally, Dell offers extended battery options, which can further improve longevity between charges.
Security Features
Security is a top priority for business users, and the Dell E7470 excels in this department. The laptop comes with a range of security features, including a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for encryption, a smart card reader, and optional fingerprint and facial recognition for secure login.
Dell’s Data Protection suite is also available on the E7470, offering encryption and advanced threat protection. This makes the laptop a solid choice for professionals who need to ensure the safety of sensitive data, whether they are working remotely or within a corporate environment.
Connectivity and Ports
The Dell E7470 offers a wide range of connectivity options to meet the needs of business professionals. It comes with three USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, a mini DisplayPort, and an Ethernet port, ensuring that you can easily connect to multiple devices and networks.
For wireless connectivity, the laptop includes both Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1, providing reliable and fast connections whether you’re in the office or working remotely.
Keyboard and Touchpad
A comfortable typing experience is essential for long work sessions, and the Dell E7470 delivers in this area. The full-sized keyboard is backlit, making it easier to work in low-light environments. The keys offer a good amount of travel and feedback, ensuring a comfortable typing experience over extended periods.
The touchpad is equally impressive, with a smooth surface that supports multi-touch gestures. It is responsive and accurate, making it easy to navigate around the operating system without needing an external mouse.
Pricing and Value for Money
While the Dell E7470 is no longer the latest model in Dell’s lineup, it still offers excellent value for money, especially for users who need a reliable and secure business laptop. Prices vary depending on the configuration, but it remains a competitively priced option in the used or refurbished market. For professionals looking for a solid, no-nonsense laptop that can handle day-to-day business tasks, the Dell E7470 is a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion The Dell E7470 remains a highly competent business laptop that offers a perfect balance of performance, portability, and security features. Its durable build quality, impressive battery life, and enterprise-level security make it an ideal choice for professionals who need a dependable device for work. While newer models may offer slightly better performance, the Dell E7470 still holds its own and is a great option for users seeking a reliable business companion.