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And although its 512GB PCIe NVMe Class 40 SSD couldn't keep up with the category average (526.7 megabytes per second) on our File Transfer Test, it still duplicated 4.97GB of mixed-media files in a reasonably fast time of 10 seconds for a rate of 508 MBps. The display covers 110 percent of the sRGB color gamut, according to our colorimeter measurements. Although that's slightly below the premium laptop average (117 percent), the panel never looked dull.
However, this doesn’t stop the Latitude 14 5420 to provide some computational performance to its users. Interestingly, the laptop is offered with both Comet Lake-U and Tiger Lake processors. Why? We don’t know. What we do know is that the 10nm architecture of Intel introduced a huge boost in performance. Not only when it comes to CPU-intensive loads, but to graphics power as well. So, getting the so-called “11-th Gen” processors would be a priority. A 63 watt-hour battery powers the Dell Latitude 5420. That’s not massive, but it feels above average in 2021. Most premium and luxury laptops have cut battery size in an effort to reduce weight. If the audio quality isn't to your liking, the Latitude 5420 comes with Dell's MaxxAudioPro software, which lets you adjust sound frequencies using a simple EQ interface.
Performance: Laptop with 2-minute Core i5 Boost
New ExpressConnect automatically joins the strongest access point in the office and directs bandwidth to critical applications, wherever you work. The Latitude 5420's display is easily visible outdoors and under bright lights, thanks to its 923 nits of maximum brightness. To put that into context, the average premium laptop's display illuminates to just 329 nits. Viewing angles are also strong; I had no problems reading text no matter where I stood in relation to the laptop. The Latitude 5420 Rugged runs Windows 10 Pro, an operating system meant for enterprise users. And yet, bloatware apps like Candy Crush Saga rear their ugly head once again. Other pre-installed apps courtesy of Microsoft include Netflix, Fitbit Coach and Xbox. With Intel ® Adaptix™ Technology, prioritize your most important apps, so they open faster and perform better. I typed at 119 words per minute with a 95 percent accuracy rate on the 10fastfingers.com typing test, which matches my average on both accounts.
If the 14-inch, 1080p touch screen display on our Latitude 5420 were any brighter, I might have needed to put on some sunglasses. It’s honestly the worst touchpad we’ve used in years. We became so frustrated that, at one point during testing, our reviewer rage-quit the laptop entirely and walked off to finish the day’s work on a desktop.
There’s nothing mainstream about it
On the down side, the Latitude's touch screen is inaccurate and getting the pen out of its slot can be a hair-pulling exercise. I needed a key to pry out the stylus and once I did, I had trouble tapping on small icons. I do have a few minor qualms with the keyboard. For one, some of the keys, especially the arrow keys, are undersized, which could be a problem for those who work with gloves on. Also, the optional handle installed on the front of the laptop doesn't make for the most comfortable wrist rest, and the RGB lighting settings are very basic.
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