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Updated January 12, 2024·
Given that the two laptops are similarly priced, the Dell Latitude 14 7490 offers better performance for more demanding tasks, as it has a stronger processor and better graphics, and is suitable for intensive engineering or design work. However, it is heavier and has a shorter battery life, so it may not be the best for someone always on the go. In contrast, the HP Stream 14" has longer battery life and is lighter, which makes it more portable and suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and casual use. If you're looking for a capable all-rounder and don't mind a bit of extra weight, go for the Dell. If portability and longer unplugged usage are more important for your day-to-day needs, consider the HP Stream. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Dell Latitude 14 7490
- Good for general use
- Good for software development
- Good for content creation
- Good overall build quality
- Very good speakers
- Good keyboard
Advantages of the HP Stream 14"
- The HP Stream 14" has no clear advantages over the Dell Latitude 14 7490.
Key differences
General Use
7.2
6.5
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
305.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
9.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
8.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.1/10
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 is good for general use, while the HP Stream 14" is only fair.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 outperforms the HP Stream 14" for general use due to its more powerful Intel i7 processor, larger and higher-quality IPS display with better resolution, and longer battery life, catering to more demanding tasks and providing a more pleasant visual and overall experience. In contrast, the HP Stream sports a less powerful Intel Celeron processor, a lower resolution TN display, and inferior battery endurance, which makes it suitable for less intensive applications where top-tier performance and screen quality are not as critical, highlighted by its fair assessment for general use.
Engineering and Design
6.5
5.7
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.4/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 is only fair for engineering and design, while the HP Stream 14" is poor.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490, with higher RAM and a more powerful Intel i7 processor, offers better performance for engineering and design tasks compared to the HP Stream 14", which is equipped with lower RAM and a less capable Intel Celeron processor, affecting the ability to run complex software smoothly. Furthermore, the Dell's superior screen quality and dedicated graphics, the Intel UHD Graphics 620, are more suited for design work than the HP Stream's Intel UHD Graphics 600, which may not render graphics-intensive tasks as effectively.
Content Creation
7.3
6.7
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 is good for content creation, while the HP Stream 14" is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.1
6.5
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 is good for software development, while the HP Stream 14" is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
6.7
5.2
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
305.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
220.0 nits
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has a better screen than the HP Stream 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize screen quality for various tasks, the Dell Latitude 14 7490 provides a decent experience for general activities with its satisfactory resolution and brightness, but for engineering and design, its color accuracy is suitable, offering a broader color range that ensures your work looks vibrant and true to life. However, its refresh rate is not high enough for the smooth visuals desired in gaming and 3D work. Conversely, the HP Stream 14" falls short in all categories with lower resolution and brightness, insufficient color gamut coverage for precision work, and a refresh rate that won't satisfy gamers or professionals in 3D modeling.
Battery
9.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has 9.5 hours of battery life. The HP Stream 14" has 7.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
7.4
5.5
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has good build quality, while the HP Stream 14" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
5.9
5.7
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 and HP Stream 14" are both poor for gaming and AI.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has a stronger GPU and a higher resolution IPS display which makes it more suitable for gaming and 3D applications compared to the HP Stream 14", which has a weaker GPU and a lower resolution TN display. Both laptops have the same screen refresh rate, but the Dell's superior CPU also contributes to its better performance for these tasks.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.1 lbs
WEIGHT
3.5 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The HP Stream 14" and Dell Latitude 14 7490 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$294
$299
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
$450
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has a price of $294 and the HP Stream 14" costs $299.
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How the Dell Latitude 14 7490 and the HP Stream 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Latitude 14 7490 | HP Stream 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$294 | $299 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2018 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13'' x 8.7'' x 0.8'' | 12.8'' x 8.9'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.11 lbs | 3.5 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13" | 12.76" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.7" | 8.86" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-8650U | Intel Celeron N4120 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 320 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9.5 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 60 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | TN | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1366 x 768 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 305 nits | 220 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 3 | N/A | |
Shopping
Dell Latitude 14 7490
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Dig into reviews and images
LaptopMag
Henry T. Casey | April 2018
"The Dell Latitude 7490's got the speed you need (and then some), a keyboard that's comfortable enough for writing all day long and a battery that supports a full 8-hour workday. If only the display were brighter and it managed heat better. If you need every minute of battery life you can get, the extended-battery version of the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 lasts 8 hours longer than the Latitude 7490, but its display is much less colorful."
HP Stream 14"
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Zachary Cuevas | November 2021
"With half of the main system memory and a fraction of the storage that we recommend in any budget Windows laptop, the HP Stream 14 does not impress. Perhaps it doesn't need to, depending on your reference point. For the price, you're getting a functional laptop with Windows 10, which already places the HP Stream 14 above most Chromebooks on that merit alone. Still, in this price range, you can't do much worse, but you can do better. In fact, for just $100 more, you can grab the much superior budget option, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14."
Get a great deal on the Dell Latitude 14 7490 or the HP Stream 14"
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
About HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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