Time is money. Dell's new Latitude E5450 that is designed to make work efficient and be performance-enhancing has now been introduced to the business world. Will the professional domain benefit from its mobility, security, and power?

Toshiba's Tecra Z40T-A1410 steps in with identical components and a steep price of 1350 Euros (~$1671). We also add the HP EliteBook 840 G1-H5G28ET in this comparison round. HP 's laptop is available in many versions, and we opted for the maximum configuration for 1650 Euros (~$2042). The extra 500 Euros (~$619) brings an Intel Core i7-4600U , 8 GB of working memory, and a 180 GB SSD. To legitimize the price difference between the two, the product line also offers more basic configurations for a price starting at 1000 Euros (~$1238). The hardware components in the 650-Euro (~$804) cheaper entry-level model are identical with the tested HP EliteBook 850 G1 , and thus we will use it for comparison in the performance benchmarks. The 850 version includes an Intel Core i5-4200U , an 8 GB working memory, and a 500 GB magnetic hard drive. Lenovo's T lineup has always been invariable in the upper business category. Lenovo's ThinkPad T440s is a remarkable contender for putting our review sample in a balanced relation. Buyers can call an Intel Core i7-4600U and a 250 GB storage device their own for around 1800 Euros (~$2228).

We let Dell's device compete with a few rivals to establish the success or failure of the new Latitude line.

What qualities characterize a business laptop? " Secure, swift , and elegant " describe Dell's device precisely. Security is divided in software and hardware units. The former is implemented via Dell Data Protection (DDP), and the latter with a Kensington lock, fingerprint scanner, and Smartcard reader. An Intel Core i5-4310U , 8 GB of working memory, and a 128 GB SSD provide Dell's laptop with the performance. Taken together, the buyer gets a mid-range business laptop for approximately 1150 Euros (~$1423).

All parts of the plastic casing have been assembled neatly, and thus the plain Dell device makes an elegant impression . The display back of our review sample features a magnesium alloy. Instead of being content with rubber nubs, the screen is completely encircled by a rubber rim. The color of the metal hinges adds contrast, and they make a robust impression. The subjective feel is very pleasant owing to the subtle curves. Maintenance and repair are possible via the removable base unit. Unfortunately, it is also the only way to replace the battery and needs time. The material-related drawbacks have to be expected in terms of stability. However, the plastic casing cannot be dented anywhere. Overall, the casing makes a decent and business-suitable impression. An unsightly drawback is that dust settles between the display's bezel and the screen, which then has to be removed with care.

Three of the four sides feature interfaces. The rear can harbor permanently connected peripherals, such as a screen. The SD-card slot and one of the three USB ports for connecting temporary devices are found in the rear area of the right. Interfaces in the front areas usually limit the work space due to interfering cables. The strategy that Dell uses for interface positioning can be called well-conceived .

Communication

Intel's Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 is responsible for wireless connections in the Latitude. Its everyday throughput rate was ascertained in a test specified by the author. Dell's Latitude E5450 had to compete against a MacBook Pro Retina (Late 2013). The test was performed one story below the router. The reception performance of Dell's device was approx. 40% and that of the MacBook roughly 70%. Moving to the same story as the router evened out this difference.

Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth 4.0 are also installed in the review sample. A Qualcomm Gobi 4G LTE module is also available for Internet on-the-go. A SIM-card slot is under the base unit. The 720p webcam convinces with a smooth representation and a sufficiently good color reproduction. Unfortunately, image noise is quite evident.

Security

Security features are seen as a substantial necessity particularly in a business device. Dell's Latitude E5450 offers a TPM chip, fingerprint scanner and a Smartcard reader among other security tools in the DDP (Dell Data Protection). The latter can be expanded with further services optionally. A contact-less Smartcard reader (NFC), an FIPS certified HC, Dell's ControlVault, and Computrace are also available as expansions. A more in-depth explanation of the listed security standards can be found in our FAQ.

Accessories

Dell includes an 8 GB recovery stick in addition to brochures. Plenty of accessories are warmly recommended to the customer. Dell's E-Port Replicator, which is available in two versions, has a special importance for the work area. The lower-priced model is sold for a steep 180 Euros (~$222). The difference of the 30-Euro (~$37) more expensive alternative is the interface diversity. Details can be found on the product page (simple port replicator, advanced port replicator). Furthermore, it is possible to add various input devices, bags, and screens to the order. The Portable Power Companion is listed as an additional, remarkable accessory. Though it is not yet listed in the details, it can be found via the search box on the website. The laptop can be recharged on-the-go with 4-cells and 12000 mAh.

Maintenance

Only six screws have to be removed to open the entire base unit, making almost all maintenance work possible. Even the fan can be cleaned easily. One of the two working memory banks is filled. However, the review sample does not allow replacing the battery quickly; a few more screws have to be removed after opening the base unit.

Warranty

Dell only includes a one-year warranty without a surcharge.

Besides this standard warranty, additional services can be added to the order. Among them, a one-year accidental damage warranty (26 Euros, ~$32)) that can be combined with theft protection (41.60 Euros, ~$51). Other support services can be extended by up to five years.