Introduction

The Dell Latitude 5420 (2T9RC) is a 14-inch business laptop designed for productivity. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting it through its paces, testing its performance in various scenarios – from everyday tasks to more demanding applications. This review aims to provide an honest assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.

Features

The Latitude 5420 boasts several features aimed at enhancing both performance and user experience. The Intel Core i5-1145G7 processor, combined with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, provides snappy performance for most tasks. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics handle everyday graphics needs with ease. The 14-inch Full HD display is bright and clear, making it comfortable for extended use. Dell Optimizer, with its built-in AI, further enhances productivity. The inclusion of features like Intelligent Audio also improves the conferencing experience.

The design incorporates bioplastics, a welcome touch for environmentally conscious users. The build quality is excellent; it feels robust and durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use and travel.

Performance

In my testing, the Latitude 5420 consistently delivered excellent performance. Multitasking was smooth and seamless, even with several applications running concurrently. The SSD ensures quick boot times and fast file access. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics handled video editing and other graphics-intensive tasks without significant lag, although it’s not designed for high-end gaming. Battery life, rated at 9 hours, lived up to expectations under moderate use. Heavier workloads understandably reduced the battery life, but overall, it’s a very good performer in this regard.

The keyboard is comfortable for extended typing sessions, and the trackpad is responsive and accurate. The inclusion of a number pad would have been a nice addition, but the overall keyboard layout is functional and efficient.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Excellent performance
• Bright and clear display
• Long battery life
• Robust build quality
• Dell Optimizer enhances productivity
• Uses bioplastics

Cons:

• Lacks a number pad
• Integrated graphics limit high-end gaming

Final Verdict

The Dell Latitude 5420 (2T9RC) is a fantastic business laptop that delivers excellent performance, long battery life, and a robust design. While it has a couple of minor shortcomings, these are easily overshadowed by its overall strengths. It’s a solid choice for professionals who need a reliable and powerful machine for daily work. I highly recommend it.