The Dell Precision 5490 is a high-performance mobile workstation that caters to professionals needing reliable computing power for demanding tasks like 3D modeling, video editing, and data analysis. Known for its solid build quality, robust specifications, and sleek design, this workstation stands out in Dell's Precision series. Let’s explore what the Precision 5490 has to offer and see if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Dell Precision 5490: Design and Build Quality

    The Dell Precision 5490 follows Dell’s tradition of delivering high-end craftsmanship. The device features a slim yet sturdy aluminum chassis, giving it a premium and professional look. Weighing around 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) and just 0.64 inches (16.2 mm) thick, it’s designed for portability without sacrificing durability. The compact form factor is particularly impressive for a workstation of this caliber, making it convenient for professionals who are frequently on the move.

Dell Precision 5490: Display Quality

    The Precision 5490 is equipped with a stunning 14-inch InfinityEdge display, which maximizes screen real estate with minimal bezels. Available in either Full HD (1920 x 1200) or UHD+ (3840 x 2400) resolutions, the screen delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent brightness levels. The UHD+ option, with its touch capability, is particularly suited for creatives who require high color accuracy and precise input. With 100% sRGB and up to 99% DCI-P3 coverage, the display is well-suited for color-critical work such as photo and video editing.

Dell Precision 5490: Performance and Hardware

    Under the hood, the Dell Precision 5490 is powered by the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors, with options ranging from the Core i5 to the Core i9. For more demanding applications, configurations with Intel Xeon processors are also available. The workstation comes with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and up to 2TB of NVMe SSD storage, ensuring that it can handle even the most resource-intensive tasks with ease.

    Graphics performance is another strong point, thanks to the inclusion of NVIDIA RTX A2000 or A3000 professional GPUs, making it ideal for 3D rendering, CAD applications, and other GPU-accelerated tasks. The combination of these high-end components makes the Precision 5490 a powerhouse in a compact form.

Dell Precision 5490: Battery Life

    Despite its power-hungry components, the Precision 5490 offers decent battery life. The 72Wh battery provides up to 10 hours of runtime under moderate use, although this will vary depending on your workload. Heavy applications like rendering or data crunching will reduce battery life significantly, but for general tasks, it remains reliable throughout a typical workday.

Dell Precision 5490: Keyboard and Trackpad

    Dell has equipped the Precision 5490 with a comfortable backlit keyboard featuring good key travel and spacing. Typing is responsive and tactile, making it suitable for long work sessions. The large precision trackpad is smooth and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures, and providing a seamless navigation experience. The optional fingerprint reader integrated into the power button enhances security without compromising convenience.

Dell Precision 5490: Connectivity and Ports

    For a compact workstation, the Precision 5490 offers a good selection of ports. It includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, an SD card reader, and an audio jack. The Thunderbolt 4 ports provide fast data transfer, charging, and external display support. However, users who need legacy ports may need to rely on adapters or docking stations.

Dell Precision 5490: ISV Certification and Security Features

    As expected from a professional workstation, the Precision 5490 is ISV-certified for a wide range of applications, ensuring stability and optimized performance with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Adobe Creative Cloud. On the security front, it comes with TPM 2.0, optional IR camera for facial recognition, and the aforementioned fingerprint reader, making it a secure choice for businesses and professionals.

Who Should Buy the Dell Precision 5490?

    The Dell Precision 5490 is designed for professionals who require robust performance in a portable package. It’s an excellent choice for engineers, designers, architects, and creative professionals who work with resource-intensive applications. If you’re seeking a workstation that balances mobility with serious computing power, this model delivers on all fronts.

    The Dell Precision 5490 sets a high standard for mobile workstations, offering impressive performance, a stunning display, and professional-grade features in a sleek, portable design. While it comes with a premium price tag, the investment is justified for those who need dependable performance in their work. Whether you're tackling complex simulations, video editing, or 3D modeling, the Precision 5490 is built to keep up with the demands of high-end professional work.