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Updated January 12, 2024·
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 offers a larger solid-state drive and more memory, potentially making it a better fit if you need storage space and multitasking ability, which could benefit intensive tasks. It is powered by an Intel i7 processor with integrated graphics, making it suitable for general use and less graphical engineering tasks. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has a newer AMD Ryzen processor with better integrated graphics, which might be preferable for light 3D applications and media enjoyment. It comes with a smaller solid-state drive and less memory, which might be less optimal for heavy workloads but may suffice for everyday tasks. The Lenovo also runs on the newer Windows 11, whereas the Dell comes with Windows 10 Pro. 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 overall build quality
- Very good speakers
- Good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14"
- Very good battery life
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.7
6.4
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
305.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" for general use, engineering and design, and content creation.
For general use, the Dell Latitude's better resolution and brightness offer clearer and more vibrant visuals than the Lenovo IdeaPad, making it more suitable for everyday tasks that involve reading text or viewing images. The Dell's screen can display a wider range of colors, which is critical for engineering and design applications where precision in color representation is key. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rate of the Dell Latitude's display compared to what gamers usually seek means a less smooth visual experience, while the Lenovo IdeaPad faces similar challenges but also lacks the higher color accuracy of the Dell.
Build Quality
7.4
6.5
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 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
$390
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has a price of $300 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" costs $390.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.2
6.9
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
305.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
313.0 nits
9.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
10.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
8.1/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.2/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Latitude 14 7490 to be good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 boasts a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and a higher-quality screen, contributing to its good general-use reputation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has less RAM and a lower-performing processor, placing it at a fair level for general use. Additionally, the Dell Latitude has a larger battery capacity, which can translate to better battery life, and it offers a backlit keyboard, enhancing usability in different lighting conditions, features that support more demanding tasks and convenience compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad.
Gaming and AI
5.9
6.0
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
9.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" to be only fair for gaming and AI, while the Dell Latitude 14 7490 is poor.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both equipped with integrated graphics—Intel UHD Graphics 620 and AMD Vega 7 respectively—which are less powerful than dedicated gaming GPUs, limiting their capability for gaming and 3D tasks. Furthermore, both have the same screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which is lower than the higher rates preferred in gaming for smoother visuals, and while their CPUs and screen qualities are adequate, they don't compensate for the GPU and refresh rate limitations for gaming and 3D performance.
Engineering and Design
6.5
6.1
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both only fair for engineering and design.
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 with its higher RAM, superior CPU, and greater storage is more capable for engineering tasks than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, although both have fair performance due to their integrated graphics which limit design capabilities, and comparable screen quality. While the Dell has a slightly larger battery and better ports, making it better for extended work sessions, the Lenovo shines in portability and quieter operation, important for mobile usage and work environments where noise is a concern.
Content Creation
7.3
7.1
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both good for content creation.
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
7.1
3.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both good for software development.
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.
Battery
9.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The Dell Latitude 14 7490 has 9.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has 10 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
3.1 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" and Dell Latitude 14 7490 both have very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Dell Latitude 14 7490 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Latitude 14 7490 | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$300 | $390 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2018 | October 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 13'' x 8.7'' x 0.8'' | 12.8'' x 8.5'' x 0.78'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.11 lbs | 3.1 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13" | 12.76" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.7" | 8.49" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-8650U | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 1 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9.5 Hours | 10 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 60 Wh | 45 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 305 nits | 313 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 9.5/10 | |
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 | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
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."
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14"
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Marvin Gollor | February 2023
"The low-priced IdeaPad 3 14 delivers on core functionality. Lenovo's IdeaPad 3 14 meets all the basic requirements for an inexpensive office laptop. The matte IPS display is bright enough, the performance is high for the class, and the input devices are rock solid. In addition, the mostly quiet operation including the useful performance modes, cool surface temperatures, easy maintainability as well as expandable working and mass storage all contribute to the IdeaPad 3 14's value proposition."
Get a great deal on the Dell Latitude 14 7490 or the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 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.
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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.
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