Dell Latitude 7490 14" Vs Microsoft Surface Go 2 10"

Dell Latitude 7490 14"
Dell Latitude 7490 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:307.00

Versus €636.00 new

See options
Microsoft Surface Go 2 10"
Microsoft Surface Go 2 10"
Starting at

Refurbished price:249.00

Versus €590.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Dell Latitude 7490, released in 2018, is a 14-inch business laptop designed for traditional productivity. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Go 2, launched in May 2020, is a 10.5-inch 2-in-1 tablet that prioritizes portability and touch interaction. While both devices operate on the Windows platform, they cater to distinct user needs through their form factors and performance capabilities.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of these devices is influenced by their release timelines, build quality, and repairability.

  • Release and Support: The Dell Latitude 7490, released in 2018, is an older model compared to the Microsoft Surface Go 2, which launched in 2020. Both run Windows, meaning their software support is tied to Microsoft's Windows lifecycle. The Surface Go 2, being newer, may receive feature updates for a slightly longer duration.
  • Durability and Repairability: The Latitude 7490 features a magnesium alloy and carbon fiber build, designed for business use and often tested to MIL-STD 810G standards, suggesting a robust construction. Business laptops like the Latitude 7490 are generally built with easier internal access for component replacement and upgrades. The Surface Go 2 has a magnesium casing and is designed for portability, but Surface devices are typically less user-serviceable.
  • Practical Lifespan: The Latitude 7490's sturdy construction and potential for component upgrades could contribute to a longer hardware lifespan. The Surface Go 2's newer release date offers a slight advantage in terms of software support longevity, though its less powerful components might limit its practical lifespan for evolving software demands.

Year of Release

2017

2019

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

Performance varies significantly between these two devices, reflecting their intended use cases and hardware configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Dell Latitude 7490, equipped with 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, handles demanding applications, extensive multitasking, and moderate productivity tasks smoothly. The Microsoft Surface Go 2, featuring Intel Pentium Gold or Core m3 processors, is better suited for web browsing, document editing, streaming, and other lighter tasks. It may exhibit limitations with heavier software or significant multitasking.
  • Storage and Memory: The Latitude 7490 typically offers larger and faster SSD storage options, along with more RAM configurations (up to 32GB), which benefits users running multiple applications simultaneously. The Surface Go 2 comes with smaller eMMC or SSD storage options and up to 8GB of RAM, which is adequate for its target usage but can be a constraint for more intensive workflows.
  • Battery Behavior: The Latitude 7490, with its larger battery capacity, generally provides longer working hours for demanding tasks, often reaching 7-9 hours of mixed use. The Surface Go 2 is designed for on-the-go use, offering up to 10-11 hours for light web browsing and productivity, but this can decrease significantly with more intensive workloads.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Pentium Gold 4425Y

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The display characteristics of each device are tailored to their respective form factors and user experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Dell Latitude 7490 typically features a 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display, providing clear visuals for productivity and extended viewing. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 has a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1920x1280, resulting in a higher pixel density for its size and sharper text, particularly beneficial for reading.
  • Brightness and Aspect Ratio: Both devices offer adequate brightness for indoor use, with the Latitude 7490 often having options for higher peak brightness. The Surface Go 2's 3:2 aspect ratio provides more vertical screen real estate, which can be advantageous for document viewing and web browsing compared to the Latitude's more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio.
  • Touch and Refresh Rate: The Surface Go 2 features a 10-point multi-touch display, enhancing its tablet functionality. While some configurations of the Latitude 7490 offer touchscreens, it is not a universal feature. Both devices typically operate at a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1920 x 1280

Screen type

IPS

IPS

Camera

Audiovisual

The camera and audio capabilities reflect the primary use cases for each device, with the Surface Go 2 emphasizing video conferencing and casual media.

  • Camera System: The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is equipped with a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera, both capable of 1080p video recording, making it well-suited for video calls and casual photography. The Dell Latitude 7490 typically includes a basic HD webcam (720p) primarily for video conferencing.
  • Microphone and Speakers: The Surface Go 2 often features dual far-field Studio Mics, designed to enhance voice clarity and reduce background noise during calls, and stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium for an improved media consumption experience. The Latitude 7490 has integrated microphones and stereo speakers suitable for general use.
  • Overall Audiovisual Experience: For users who frequently engage in video calls, online presentations, or consume media on their device, the Surface Go 2 offers a more refined audiovisual experience. The Latitude 7490 provides functional capabilities for business communication.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Dell Latitude 7490 offers a comprehensive array of traditional ports, including multiple USB-A ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and often a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 capabilities on some configurations, along with an SD card reader. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is more streamlined, featuring a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSDXC card reader, with optional LTE connectivity.
  • Portability and Design: The Latitude 7490 is a 14-inch traditional laptop, weighing around 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs), designed for a stable desktop or lap experience. The Surface Go 2 is significantly lighter at approximately 544g (1.2 lbs) without its detachable keyboard, making it highly portable and versatile as a tablet.
  • Security and Sensors: The Latitude 7490 often includes a fingerprint reader and optional IR camera for Windows Hello. The Surface Go 2 supports Windows Hello facial recognition and includes an ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer, enhancing its tablet functionality.

Weight

7500 g

800 g

Screen size

14

10

User feedback indicates that the Dell Latitude 7490 is often praised for its robust build quality, reliable performance for business tasks, comfortable keyboard, and extensive port selection. Some users note its traditional design and potentially lower screen brightness on certain configurations as minor drawbacks.

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 receives commendation for its extreme portability, versatile 2-in-1 form factor, and a display that is sharp for its size. Common criticisms include its limited performance for demanding applications, the small screen size for extended productivity, and the fact that essential accessories like the keyboard are sold separately.

Users prioritizing a traditional laptop experience with robust performance for demanding productivity, extensive multitasking, and a wide range of connectivity options may find the Dell Latitude 7490 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value extreme portability, a versatile tablet-first experience, touch input, and primarily engage in lighter tasks such as web browsing, streaming, and document editing on the go may lean toward the Microsoft Surface Go 2. Both devices offer distinct advantages, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can provide an eco-friendly alternative for either choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons