A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 16, 2024·
If you need a durable laptop with robust security features for business or professional use, the Dell Latitude 14 7490 is a solid choice, albeit at a higher price. It offers better performance, which is suitable for multitasking and more demanding applications. However, if budget is a primary concern and your tasks are limited to general use like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" provides good value with sufficient performance for these activities, but compromises on build quality and power. Keep in mind, Lenovo's battery life may not be as long-lasting as Dell's, and the Lenovo may not handle intensive tasks as well. 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 Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has no clear advantages over the Dell Latitude 14 7490.
Key differences
General Use
7.2
6.1
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
305.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
9.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.3/10
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 offers better general use capabilities due to its higher RAM, superior CPU, and a higher-quality IPS display, which collectively result in smoother multitasking and better viewing angles and color. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has less RAM, a less powerful CPU, and a lower-quality TN screen, which may result in slower performance and less display appeal, though it is quite light and comparable in terms of portability.
Engineering and Design
6.5
5.5
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 is only fair for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 offers a stronger processor, more memory, and higher quality integrated graphics, making it suitable for engineering and design tasks which are CPU and RAM intensive and benefit from a good GPU. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a weaker processor, less RAM, and lower quality graphics, coupled with a lower resolution screen, which limits its ability to handle complex engineering software and design work.
Content Creation
7.3
6.2
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 is good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 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
6.4
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
3.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
4.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 is good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 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
5.3
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1366 x 768
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
TN
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
305.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
239.0 nits
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Latitude's screen quality is adequate for general use due to its reasonable resolution and brightness, but its limited color gamut makes it less suitable for the precise color work needed in engineering and design; however, for gaming and 3D, the low refresh rate leads to a poor experience. The Lenovo IdeaPad's screen falls short for general use as it likely has lower resolution and brightness, and for engineering and design tasks, the poor color accuracy and limited gamut hinder detailed and color-sensitive work. For gaming and 3D applications, the IdeaPad's inferior refresh rate and resolution contribute to a less engaging and responsive visual experience.
Build Quality
7.4
6.0
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$300
$150
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has a price of $300 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" costs $150.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
Gaming and AI
5.9
5.5
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
10.0/10
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 and Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" are both poor for gaming and AI.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 offers marginally better gaming and 3D capabilities due to its more capable Intel UHD Graphics 620 compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" which comes with a less powerful Intel UHD Graphics 600; both have the same screen refresh rate, but the GPU is the primary differentiator for these activities. Additionally, the Dell's CPU is stronger and display has a higher resolution, which also contribute to a fair versus poor experience respectively for gaming and 3D applications.
Battery
9.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has 9.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has 9 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.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
3.1 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" and Dell Latitude 14 7490 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Latitude 14 7490 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Latitude 14 7490 | Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$300 | $150 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2018 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13'' x 8.7'' x 0.8'' | 12.9'' x 9.3'' x 0.7'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.11 lbs | 3.09 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13" | 12.88" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.7" | 9.25" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-8650U | Intel Celeron N4020 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 4 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 64 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 60 Wh | 32 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 | 239 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 | |
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 | 10/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
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
See more
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."
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Tom Brant | August 2021
"The IdeaPad 1 14 is a simple machine, but it’s well-designed and has nearly everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense laptop that allows you to check emails and get schoolwork or other light tasks done with relative ease. A "true" 128GB SSD (as opposed to an eMMC drive) and a roomy 14-inch full HD display are arguably the star attractions, with the comfortable keyboard and reasonably modern styling playing important backup roles."
Get a great deal on the Dell Latitude 14 7490 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Dell Latitude 14 7490 vs. ASUS Zenbook 14
VS
Compare Dell Latitude 14 7490 vs. Acer Aspire 5 15
VS
Compare Dell Latitude 14 7490 vs. Acer Aspire Go 15
VS
Compare Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" vs. HP 14" Laptop
VS
Compare Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" vs. Gateway 14.1"
VS
Compare Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" vs. Gateway 11.6"
VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
131,595
Recommendations made
28,513
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
