Dell has significantly revamped its PC lineup, introducing a streamlined branding system that focuses on clear distinctions between consumer and professional devices. Among the most anticipated releases is the Dell Pro 14 Premium, a laptop designed specifically for professionals who prioritize security, productivity, and premium features. This new flagship in what was formerly the Latitude constellation aims to deliver a no-nonsense, high-performing experience for the modern business user.
Sleek Design and Robust Build
The Dell Pro 14 Premium boasts an understated yet sophisticated design with a dark grey finish. Its thin and light magnesium chassis ensures portability without compromising durability, making it well-suited for deployment in corporate fleets where resilience is key. The laptop feels well-built and sturdy, designed to withstand the rigours of daily professional use. A thoughtful design element allows users to open the lid with a single finger, which also provides a subtle raised typing angle for enhanced ergonomics and improved airflow.
Dell has also embraced modularity with replaceable USB-C ports, a forward-thinking feature that simplifies repairs and extends the lifespan of the device, particularly valuable for IT departments managing large deployments. The port selection is generally comprehensive, including an HDMI 2.1 port, two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports (one on each side), a USB-A port, and a headphone jack. A Kensington lock slot is also included for added security. Notably absent is an SD or microSD card reader, which might be a drawback for some professionals.
Innovative Keyboard and Functional Touchpad
The Dell Pro 14 Premium features a zero-lattice keyboard that has garnered positive initial impressions for its key travel and tactile feedback. Unlike some previous Dell lines, this laptop includes a properly laid-out physical function row, a welcome return for many users. Dual speaker grills flank the keyboard, contributing to the audio experience. The power button conveniently integrates a fingerprint scanner for secure and swift logins via Windows Hello.
While the laptop forgoes a haptic touchpad, it features a standard T-glass touchpad that is reported to be responsive and effective for scrolling and gesture navigation. A notable addition is its collaboration touchpad functionality, which provides quick access to microphone mute, camera shut-off, screen sharing, and chat controls during video conferencing calls on platforms like Zoom.
Display Options Catering to Different Needs
The initial configuration of the Dell Pro 14 Premium features a 14-inch Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS non-touch display. This screen is described as bright and surprisingly sharp, exceeding its specified 400 nits of brightness in testing. While it operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, this choice contributes to maximizing battery life.
For users demanding a higher-end visual experience, Dell plans to offer a tandem OLED display option in the first quarter of the year, with expectations pointing towards a release in March. This display is anticipated to feature a higher resolution (2880 x 1800 pixels) and touch capabilities, offering enhanced colour accuracy and vibrancy, similar to the tandem OLED seen in the Dell XPS 13. However, it's important to note that the OLED display is expected to have a shorter battery life compared to the IPS option.
Performance and Efficiency Powered by Intel Lunar Lake
At the heart of the Dell Pro 14 Premium lies Intel's Lunar Lake processor, specifically the Core Ultra 7 268V with vPro. This processor architecture is known for its great efficiency, excellent cooling, and impressive battery life. Real-world performance for typical business tasks such as Microsoft Office, email, and web browsing is reported to be smooth and without slowdowns.
The integrated Intel Arc 140V graphics provides a significant boost in graphical capabilities compared to previous integrated solutions, allowing the laptop to handle tasks like video editing and benchmarking surprisingly well for a thin and light device. Furthermore, the laptop demonstrates very little thermal throttling and remains cool to the touch even under heavy load, with quiet fan operation during normal use.
Unrivalled Battery Life for Enhanced Productivity
One of the standout features of the Dell Pro 14 Premium is its exceptional battery life. Testing indicates over 20 hours of battery life on standard tests, including the PC Mark 10 Modern Office benchmark, and even longer during video playback (up to 24-25 hours). This remarkable longevity makes the laptop an ideal companion for professionals who need to work on the go without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet.
Enhanced Collaboration with Advanced Webcam and Audio
The Dell Pro 14 Premium excels in providing a premium collaboration experience. It features an 8-megapixel HDR+ IR webcam, which is considered one of the best in the business, delivering sharp and well-lit video quality for Zoom and other video conferencing calls. The webcam supports Windows Hello facial recognition for secure logins and includes features like background blur and auto framing via Windows Studio Effects. A physical shutter switch above the camera lens provides an added layer of privacy and security.
The speakers on the Dell Pro 14 Premium are also noteworthy, providing surprisingly good audio quality that punches above its weight class. They offer clear mids and highs, making them suitable for both conference calls and media consumption. A headphone jack is available for users who prefer wired audio connections.
Comprehensive Connectivity and Future Options
Beyond the already mentioned ports, the Dell Pro 14 Premium features Wi-Fi 7 for high-speed wireless connectivity. Dell also plans to offer configurations with integrated wireless WAN (WWAN) or 5G connectivity, providing secure internet access on the go and including a nano SIM card slot with potential eSIM support. This will be particularly beneficial for professionals who require a reliable and secure connection outside of traditional Wi-Fi networks.
Pricing and Positioning
The Dell Pro 14 Premium comes with a premium price tag, starting at $1,899 and reaching $2,679.27 for the tested configuration. While this might seem expensive for individual consumers, it's important to remember that this laptop is geared towards businesses that purchase in bulk and receive significant discounts. The pricing reflects the premium build quality, advanced features, and the inclusion of three years of next-business-day on-site service.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Business Laptop Arena
The Dell Pro 14 Premium represents a significant step forward in Dell's business-focused laptop strategy. Its combination of sleek and durable design, powerful and efficient Intel Lunar Lake processor, exceptional battery life, and advanced collaboration features makes it a compelling choice for professionals. While the lattice keyboard design might not appeal to everyone, and the absence of an SD card reader is a notable omission, the overall package delivers a premium experience.
Compared to competitors like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13, the Dell Pro 14 Premium holds its own, particularly excelling in battery life. The upcoming tandem OLED display and 5G connectivity options will further enhance its appeal. For businesses seeking a reliable, high-performing, and long-lasting laptop for their workforce, the Dell Pro 14 Premium is undoubtedly a worthy new star in the business laptop landscape.