Key points
- In the world of business laptops and 2-in-1 devices, the Dell Latitude 7210 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 stand out as two of the most sought-after options.
- The Dell Latitude 7210 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for long workdays or extended travel.
- The Surface Pro 7 shines in versatility, portability, and touchscreen capabilities, making it a great option for creative professionals, students, and those who value a more flexible form factor.
In the world of business laptops and 2-in-1 devices, the Dell Latitude 7210 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 stand out as two of the most sought-after options. Both devices offer a blend of portability, performance, and versatility, making them ideal for professionals on the go. However, deciding which one is the better choice can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each device, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and how they stack up against each other.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Aesthetics
The Dell Latitude 7210 exudes a classic business laptop aesthetic, with its sleek and understated design. Its chassis is crafted from a combination of aluminum and magnesium alloy, providing a sturdy and durable build. The Surface Pro 7, on the other hand, boasts a more modern and versatile design, featuring a detachable keyboard and a sleek magnesium alloy body. Both devices are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around.
Display: Immersive Visuals or Crisp Clarity?
The Dell Latitude 7210 offers a 12.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with an anti-glare coating, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals even in bright environments. The Surface Pro 7 comes with a slightly larger 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. Its touchscreen capabilities provide an intuitive and immersive experience, making it ideal for artists, designers, and note-takers.
Performance: Powerhouse vs. Everyday Efficiency
The Dell Latitude 7210 packs a punch with its 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD. This combination delivers blazing-fast performance, enabling seamless multitasking and handling demanding applications with ease. The Surface Pro 7, equipped with an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, offers solid performance for everyday tasks and light productivity work.
Battery Life: Enduring Power vs. All-Day Reliability
The Dell Latitude 7210 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for long workdays or extended travel. The Surface Pro 7, while not as enduring, provides a respectable battery life of up to 10 hours, sufficient for a full day’s work or entertainment.
Connectivity: Seamless Connections or Versatile Expansion?
The Dell Latitude 7210 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. The Surface Pro 7 features a more limited selection of ports, with one USB-C port, one USB-A port, a Surface Connect port, and a microSD card reader. However, its versatility is enhanced by the availability of various Surface accessories, such as the Surface Dock, which expands its connectivity options.
Security: Enterprise-Grade Protection vs. Secure by Design
The Dell Latitude 7210 comes equipped with a suite of security features, including a fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0, and Dell’s ControlVault technology, providing robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. The Surface Pro 7 offers Windows Hello facial recognition and a TPM chip for secure login and data encryption.
Operating System: Familiarity vs. Innovation
The Dell Latitude 7210 runs on Windows 10 Pro, the tried-and-tested operating system favored by many businesses for its stability and compatibility with a wide range of software. The Surface Pro 7 comes with Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, providing a familiar and user-friendly interface. Additionally, it supports Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, offering a refreshed design and enhanced features.
The Verdict: Choosing the Ideal Device for Your Needs
The Dell Latitude 7210 and the Surface Pro 7 are both excellent devices, but their strengths and weaknesses cater to different user needs. The Dell Latitude 7210 excels in performance, security, and battery life, making it an ideal choice for professionals who prioritize productivity and reliability. The Surface Pro 7 shines in versatility, portability, and touchscreen capabilities, making it a great option for creative professionals, students, and those who value a more flexible form factor.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which device is better for graphic-intensive tasks?
A: The Dell Latitude 7210, with its more powerful graphics options, is better suited for graphic-intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pro 7 as a tablet?
A: Yes, the Surface Pro 7’s detachable keyboard allows you to use it as a tablet for taking notes, drawing, or consuming media.
Q: Which device has better upgradeability?
A: The Dell Latitude 7210 offers more upgradeability options, including the ability to upgrade the RAM and storage. The Surface Pro 7’s components are soldered onto the motherboard, limiting upgradeability.
Q: How does the Surface Pro 7 compare to the Surface Pro 8?
A: The Surface Pro 8 features a larger 13-inch display, a more powerful 11th-generation Intel Core processor, and improved battery life compared to the Surface Pro 7.
Q: Which device is better for business use?
A: The Dell Latitude 7210 is better suited for business use due to its robust security features, enterprise-grade support, and compatibility with a wide range of business software.