Dell Latitude 7490 14" vs HP EliteBook 840 G6 14"

The Dell Latitude 7490 and the HP EliteBook 840 G6 are business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and reliability. The Latitude 7490, released in 2018, and the EliteBook 840 G6, launched in 2019, both offer a 14-inch form factor and run on the Windows operating system. While sharing a focus on professional use, the EliteBook 840 G6 generally features slightly newer internal components and enhanced security options, setting it apart from its predecessor generation.

Both the Dell Latitude 7490 and the HP EliteBook 840 G6 are built for durability, targeting a professional user base that requires robust devices for extended use.

• Release Timeline: The Dell Latitude 7490 was released in 2018, while the HP EliteBook 840 G6 followed in May 2019. This difference means the EliteBook G6 may receive software updates for a slightly longer period, extending its practical lifespan for modern applications.
• OS Support: Both devices primarily support Windows 10 Pro and are compatible with Windows 11, with HP providing compatible driver support for the EliteBook 840 G6. The newer release of the EliteBook G6 offers a marginal advantage in terms of future OS compatibility and security updates.
• Repairability: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is noted for its high repairability, scoring 10 out of 10 in some assessments, with easily accessible and removable components like RAM, SSD, and battery. The Dell Latitude 7490 also allows for user upgrades of RAM and storage by removing the base.

When evaluating the performance of these two business laptops, the focus is on their ability to handle daily tasks, multitasking, and demanding applications efficiently.

• Processor Capabilities: Both laptops are equipped with 8th generation Intel Core processors. The EliteBook 840 G6 often features Whiskey Lake processors, which are a slightly newer iteration of the 8th generation compared to the Kaby Lake R processors found in the Latitude 7490. This can translate to marginally better efficiency and performance in some configurations for the HP model.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM across two SO-DIMM slots, offering substantial capacity for heavy multitasking and running numerous applications simultaneously. The Dell Latitude 7490 supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, which is also ample for most professional tasks but offers less headroom for extreme memory-intensive workflows.
• Storage Options: Both models utilize fast M.2 SSDs, with NVMe PCIe options available, ensuring quick boot times and rapid application loading. The EliteBook 840 G6 can be configured with up to 2TB SSDs, providing extensive storage for large files and applications.
• Battery Behavior: The HP EliteBook 840 G6, with its 50Wh battery, has been reported to offer around 12-16 hours of web browsing on a single charge. The Dell Latitude 7490, with 42Wh or 60Wh battery options, typically provides 7-9 hours of moderate use, though some configurations can reach up to 15 hours.

The display is a critical component for any laptop, especially for business users who spend extended periods working on their devices.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both laptops feature 14-inch displays, commonly available with Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare panels, which are suitable for reducing reflections in various lighting conditions. The Dell Latitude 7490 also had some configurations with lower HD (1366x768) resolution.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Latitude 7490 typically offers brightness levels around 277-294 nits, which is adequate for indoor use. The EliteBook 840 G6 offers a wider range of brightness options, from 250 nits up to 1000 nits in configurations featuring HP's Sure View privacy screen, providing enhanced visibility and privacy in diverse environments.
• Special Features: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 can be configured with a 4K display option and the HP Sure View integrated privacy screen, which limits viewing angles to protect sensitive information from onlookers. The Dell Latitude 7490 offered a "super low power" panel option designed to extend battery life.

For communication and multimedia, the audio and visual components of these laptops provide distinct experiences.

• Camera System: Both laptops typically include a 720p HD webcam suitable for video conferencing. The HP EliteBook 840 G6 often includes an IR webcam for Windows Hello facial recognition and offers an HP Privacy Camera with a physical shutter for enhanced security.
• Microphone Quality: The EliteBook 840 G6 features three digital microphones and HP Noise Cancellation technology, designed to improve clarity during calls by reducing background noise. The Latitude 7490 includes array microphones.
• Speaker Output: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is equipped with Bang & Olufsen dual stereo speakers, which generally provide a richer audio experience for media consumption and calls. The Dell Latitude 7490 has stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro utility for sound adjustments.