Dell Latitude 7390 13" Vs Microsoft Surface Go 2 10"

The Dell Latitude 7390 13, released in 2018, is a traditional business-oriented laptop, while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 10, launched in 2020, is a compact 2-in-1 detachable tablet. Both devices operate on the Windows ecosystem, offering familiar software experiences. The primary distinction lies in their form factor and intended use: the Latitude prioritizes a robust laptop experience for productivity, whereas the Surface Go 2 emphasizes portability and versatility as a tablet-laptop hybrid.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and design philosophies play a significant role.

• Release Timeline: The Dell Latitude 7390 13 was released in 2018, making it an older model compared to the Microsoft Surface Go 2 10, which launched in May 2020. This difference in release year can impact the duration of future software support and the availability of newer features.
• Software Longevity: Both devices run on the Windows operating system, meaning they benefit from Microsoft's ongoing software updates. However, the Surface Go 2, being a newer device, is likely to receive major Windows feature updates for a longer period than the Latitude 7390. The Latitude 7390 typically shipped with Windows 10 Pro, while the Surface Go 2 came with Windows 10 Home in S mode, which can be upgraded to full Windows 10 or 11.
• Build and Repairability: The Dell Latitude 7390 is built with business-grade materials, including options for machined aluminum, carbon fiber, or magnesium alloy, and is MIL-STD 810G tested for durability against environmental extremes. This robust construction suggests a design intended for sustained use in demanding environments. The Surface Go 2 features a magnesium alloy construction, offering a premium feel in a more compact form. While specific repairability scores vary, traditional laptops like the Latitude series often offer more straightforward component access compared to highly integrated 2-in-1 devices like the Surface Go 2.

The performance capabilities of the Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the Microsoft Surface Go 2 10 cater to different user needs, largely influenced by their internal components.

• Processing Power: The Dell Latitude 7390 is equipped with 8th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, providing substantial power for demanding applications, extensive multitasking, and complex computations. This allows for smooth operation when running multiple applications simultaneously or handling large datasets. In contrast, the Surface Go 2 utilizes Intel Pentium Gold or Core m3 processors, which are designed for efficiency and lighter tasks. It handles web browsing, streaming, and basic productivity applications effectively, but may show limitations with more intensive software.
• Memory and Storage: The Latitude 7390 typically offers 8GB or 16GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking and smoother transitions between applications. It also provides various SSD storage options, including faster PCIe NVMe drives, ranging from 128GB to 1TB, ensuring quick boot times and rapid data access. The Surface Go 2 comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, which is suitable for its intended use cases. Storage options include 64GB eMMC or 128GB/256GB SSDs, with eMMC being slower than SSDs.
• Battery Behavior: The Dell Latitude 7390, with its larger chassis, often includes higher capacity batteries (42 WHr or 60 WHr) designed to support a full workday for many users. The Surface Go 2 aims for portability, and while Microsoft states up to 10 hours of typical use, real-world battery life for heavy usage can be shorter, with some users reporting around 5-5.5 hours for tasks like OneNote or 3-5 hours for light browsing.

The visual experience on these two devices differs significantly due to their display characteristics and form factors.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Dell Latitude 7390 features a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare display. This provides clear visuals and good viewing angles, suitable for extended work sessions. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 offers a 10.5-inch PixelSense Display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels, resulting in a higher pixel density of 220 PPI and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The taller aspect ratio of the Surface Go 2 can be beneficial for document viewing and web browsing, offering more vertical screen real estate.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Latitude 7390 typically provides a brightness of around 300 nits, which is adequate for indoor use and some outdoor conditions. The Surface Go 2's PixelSense display is known for its vibrant colors and can reach brightness levels of 390-408 nits, making it more comfortable for use in brighter environments. Both displays offer good clarity for their respective sizes.
• Touch and Refresh Rate: While some configurations of the Latitude 7390 include a touch-enabled screen, it is primarily a traditional laptop experience. The Surface Go 2, being a 2-in-1 device, features a 10-point multi-touch display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for durability, making it highly responsive to touch input and suitable for pen use (pen sold separately). Both devices generally feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

The audio-visual capabilities of the Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the Microsoft Surface Go 2 10 reflect their distinct design priorities.

• Camera System: The Dell Latitude 7390 typically includes an HD webcam, with some configurations offering an infrared (IR) camera for Windows Hello facial recognition. These cameras are generally functional for standard video conferencing. The Surface Go 2, designed with portability and tablet use in mind, features a more capable camera setup. It includes a 5MP front-facing camera that supports 1080p HD video and an IR camera for Windows Hello, alongside an 8MP rear-facing camera also capable of 1080p HD video. This makes the Surface Go 2 more versatile for video calls, quick photo capture, and document scanning.
• Microphone Quality: The Latitude 7390 incorporates noise-reducing array microphones, which are beneficial for clear communication in professional settings. The Surface Go 2 features dual Studio Mics, designed to enhance voice clarity and reduce background noise, which is particularly useful for online meetings and calls.
• Speaker Output: Both devices offer integrated speakers. The Dell Latitude 7390 includes high-quality speakers, suitable for general audio playback and conference calls. The Surface Go 2 is equipped with 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, providing clear sound for media consumption and video calls.