Finding a good budget laptop for productivity and games is challenging, especially with all the available brands and models. Thankfully, leading laptop manufacturer Dell creates computers that can fit all users. Dell is popular for its Inspiron brand, but it also manufactures a variety of laptop models, including the Latitude line and its gaming computer brand, Alienware.
In this Dell Latitude E7470 gaming review, we will discuss how this budget laptop performs with popular game titles, its overall performance, and its features that you should know about.
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Pros & Cons Of The Dell Latitude E7470
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Unique Features Of The Dell Latitude E7470
6th Gen Intel Dual-Core i5
Compared to the previous version of Intel Dual-Core i5, the 6th generation process can provide users with greater power efficiency and smoother high-resolution video playback, including 4K content. Since the Dell Latitude E7470 houses a 6th gen i5 processor, it is perfect for daily home and office tasks. It can also handle casual gaming and hardware demanding programs such as photo, video, and graphic design apps.
Anti-Glare (1366 x 768) screen
If you love working outdoors or in bright rooms, you’ll enjoy the anti-glare feature of the Dell Latitude E7470 laptop. Many budget laptops skimp on providing a better display, but this computer ensures that users are comfortable in whatever environment they’re working. However, the screen may not be the best since it only features 1366 x 768 pixels. So if you need an HD display, this laptop won’t be able to provide that. Nevertheless, the anti-glare feature gives more value to its affordable price.
Integrated Intel HD 4400 Graphics
The Dell Latitude E7470 laptop comes with integrated Intel HD 4400 graphics, which are more powerful than its predecessors. However, it is an integrated GPU, so it’s still considered weak compared to modern dedicated graphics cards. But, it can still run some of the most popular gaming titles, so it’s still a great feature for such an affordable computer.
Integrated 10-100 BASE-T Ethernet LAN & WiFi
If you need a device that can connect to the internet as quickly as possible, the Dell Latitude E7470 is an ideal choice. It uses a high-speed Gigabit Ethernet adapter, allowing you to enjoy a rapid wired internet connection.
In addition, it uses 3x3 WiFi, delivering up to 1.3Gbps transfer speeds, which is 30% faster than the traditional 2x2 wireless connection.
Magnesium Alloy Chassis
Magnesium alloy is the popular alternative to aluminum chassis. When it comes to laptop build, it may seem like second-best, but this material is 30% lighter than its aluminum counterpart while still having a great strength-to-weight ratio. It is also thinner and less thermally conductive than similar aluminum builds while still having the same general durability. This means that the Dell E7470 features a light and slimmer design.
Spill-Resistant Keyboard
The Dell E7470 laptop features a spill-resistant keyboard. This keyboard protects its components by delaying the amount of time for an accidental spill to reach the laptop’s main components. So if you accidentally spilled coffee on this computer, you have enough time to clean the drip before it affects the main parts of the system.
Backlighting
Unfortunately, many modern laptops don’t have backlighting. This can be problematic, especially if you try working in the dark. Thankfully, this wouldn’t be an issue for the Dell Latitude E7470. This computer features a backlit keyboard, allowing you to work and game comfortably in dark areas.
Dell Latitude E7470 Laptop Reviewed
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Specifications
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Standing Screen Display Size | 14 inches |
Max Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels |
RAM | 8 GB |
Memory Speed | 2.4 MHz |
Hard Drive Capacity | 256 GB |
Ports | 3 x USB 3.0 |
Battery Life | Up to 9 hours |
Dimensions | 15 x 19 x 5 inches |
Even though laptops aren’t labeled as gaming computers, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be used to play games. In fact, many laptops, even budget ones, can run popular gaming titles with ease. That’s why gamers should also look at other laptops, even if not made for gaming, since some of them feature the same components as their gaming counterparts.
So, can the Dell Latitude E7470 perform well in popular gaming titles? Let’s find out in this in-depth review.
Design & Display
The Dell Latitude E7470 features an all-black design that’s sleek, slim, and soft to touch. It has a magnesium alloy chassis, so it is lighter than many of its aluminum-built laptop competitions, weighing only 3.4 pounds. The notebook has a supersoft lid with a pleasant feel, but it is a fingerprint magnet, so you need to clean it more often.
Apart from being lightweight, it is also portable. At 13.19 x 9.13 x 0.74 inches, this laptop is small enough to fit into your bag without much trouble. While it’s not as portable as some 14-inch laptops, it is still convenient compared to most gaming laptops.
The display is pretty mediocre. First, it does not have a Full-HD screen, featuring only a 1366 X 768 screen. However, its standard 1080p display is clear and crisp enough for work but won’t give you a great gaming experience. Nevertheless, it is colorful and vibrant enough if you just want to relax and watch your favorite movie or series.
Performance Features
To better understand this Dell Latitude E7470 gaming review, we have to discuss three of the integral components that contribute to its overall performance: CPU, storage, and graphics card. These parts can make or break your gaming experience.
Keyboard & Touchpad
If you type a lot for work and need a comfortable keyboard, the Dell Latitude E7470 is equipped with a satisfyingly snappy keyboard. It is well-designed and intuitive, so your typing experience is enjoyable. It also features a spill-resistant keyboard, so you are protected from any accidental spills or small food particles that might get inside the computer. In addition, the keyboard can easily be replaced if you damage it or it just stops working.
This laptop also features a 3.8 x 2.1-inch touchpad that’s reliable. In addition, it has a smooth surface, making it easy to perform Windows gestures such as switching tabs, pinching to zoom, and swiping three-fingers to change apps.
Apart from the touchpad, it also features a small, blue-bordered pointing stick. This is perfect for individuals who prefer to navigate without leaving their keyboard. Even if you’re new to using the stick, it’s still easy to use and navigate. It is also positioned well, allowing you to reach the left and right-click buttons using your thumb and pinky.
Connectivity
Compared to most notebooks, the Dell E7470 laptop has most of its ports in the back. This can be a hassle, as you need to reach a little more to plugin what you need. This computer comes with two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, a mini DisplayPort, and an Ethernet jack.
There are ports on the side, but it’s only limited to a headphone/mic jack, an SD card slot, a sim port, and a single USB 3.0 port. It is important to note that this computer does not come with a USB Type-C port. So, if you are future-proofing your devices, this should be considered.
Battery Life & Energy Consumption
If you’re planning to use the Latitude E7470 for long workdays, you’re in good hands. This laptop has an impressive battery life that is reliable and can last for up to 9 hours, primarily if you use it for light Office tasks and web browsing. However, if you use it for gaming or other CPU-intensive tasks, it can only run for up to 3 hours. Nevertheless, it performs better than many budget to mid-range laptops.
Audio
While Latitude E7470 can deliver decent volume when video chatting, it doesn’t have exceptional audio quality. So, if you’d like to play thumping bass songs using its speaker, you might miss some of the track’s details. However, you can customize the audio output through the Dell Audio app. This software allows you to customize individual parameters such as treble and bass. It even allows you to dive into an EQ if you want to fine-tune every detail. But if you're lazy, the app has presets made for gaming, music, movies, and voice.
Accessories
You can level up your work and gaming experience through Dell’s dedicated accessories for E7470. For example, if you want full desktop functionality with one simple connection and access to legacy ports, you can use the Dell Simple E-Port Replicator. If you’re going to expand your workspace by connecting multiple accessories and displays, you can take advantage of the Dell Wireless Dock. Lastly, if you’re not happy with the mouse and keyboard, Dell offers a wireless keyboard and mouse perfect for this laptop.
Maintenance
Maintaining your Dell E7470 laptop is the same as any type of laptop. There’s no special required. However, the lid is a fingerprint magnet. So you might need to wipe it often if you want to preserve its clean and sleek look. Make sure to clean the laptop internally as well and remove any files or apps that are not used, especially since it only has 256 GB of SSD memory.
Price & Warranty
The Dell Latitude E7470 laptop is currently priced at around $330, but the price can go up depending on the add ons you purchase, such as McAfee protection and Microsoft Office 365. For the warranty, every Dell laptop comes with a three-year hardware service warranty, including on-site service after remote diagnosis.
Which type of person is the Dell Latitude E7470 best suited for?
If you’re on a budget and in need of a decent work laptop, this is for you. The specs are good enough for continuous work, allowing you to achieve maximum efficiency and productivity. It’s also an ideal choice for gamers. However, for popular titles, you can only play it at low settings, while old games can be played on whatever setting you desire.
Which type of user is it not suitable for?
If you’re a heavy gamer, this is not the laptop for you. While the specs are powerful enough to run many game titles, it doesn’t have the proper GPU to make the most out of your gaming experience. However, there are many other budget gaming computers that you can try instead of this device.
Comparing With Other Laptops (Is The E7470 Good?)
Dell Latitude E7470 Vs E5570
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When it comes to performance, the E7470 and E5570 are almost the same. They have the same processor, memory, and storage. However, the significant difference between the two is their size. The E7470 is a 14-inch laptop, while the E5570 is a 15-inch laptop.
Dell Latitude E7470 Vs. HP Elitebook 840 G3
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Both laptops are powered by Intel Core i5 6th generation with a 256 GB SSD and a 14-inch screen. However, the Elitebook 840 G3 has 16 GB of RAM, making it faster than the Latitude E7470. This means that the HP laptop is faster and better performing than Dell.
Dell Latitude E7470 Vs. MacBook Pro
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in...
- Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery...
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster...
- 8-core GPU with up to 5x faster graphics for...
MacBook Pro is more powerful than the E4740. However, it is also more expensive and runs using a different operating system. This is why comparing the two laptops is quite challenging, given that they’re not from the same category.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Why is my Dell Latitude E7470 not charging on the docking station?
There are many reasons why your E7470 laptop is not charging on the docking station. Before you go ahead and troubleshoot the problem, make sure that the docking station is working properly by trying another device. If it works, then there is a problem with your laptop.
Where can you buy a Dell Latitude E7470 replacement battery?
You can buy a replacement battery for your Dell Latitude E7470 on the Dell online store or through Amazon.
What is the release date of Dell Latitude E7470?
The Dell Latitude E7470 was released in 2016.
Does the Dell Latitude E7470 have a graphics card?
Yes, the E7470 laptop does have a graphics card, but it’s only an integrated GPU and not a dedicated one.
Why is the Bluetooth not working on my Dell Latitude E7470?
Many reasons could cause this issue, but to be sure what the reason is, you can run the built-in Windows troubleshooting tool on your laptop.
Conclusion
The Dell Latitude E7470 is definitely worth your money, especially if you need a laptop to handle basic home and office tasks. However, if you’re into heavy gaming, this laptop may not be the best choice, considering that it does not house a powerful GPU. Nevertheless, this device is worth every penny.
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Andrew White is the founder of TechGearoid, a leading technology review & information website that is designed to help consumers make better decisions when it comes to their IT purchases. As a specialist tech writer (nerd) with over 10 years of experience, he enjoys writing about everything there is to do with modern technology & the newest market innovations. When he isn’t providing value for his readers, he’s usually drinking coffee or at the beach. Andrew lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and family.