Not only consumer devices follow the trend towards thinner notebooks and ultrabooks. Dell's new Latitude E7440 proves that mobility, port variety and office qualities can also be combined in a business notebook nowadays.
Connectivity
The E7440 cannot offer special features like Thunderbolt but the user gets all important ports in a sufficient number. Besides three USB 3.0 ports - one can be used to charge USB devices while the notebook is turned off - Dell also integrated Gbit LAN, an SD card reader as well as two digital display outputs. You can either use HDMI or a mini DisplayPort to attach even large high-resolution external displays. A VGA port is not directly available but can be used with an optional adaptor.
Communication
Dell offers several wireless modules for its Latitude series depending on the configuration, starting with the low-end Dell Wireless 1506 (802.11 b/g/n, 1x1) up to the high-end Intel Wireless-AC 7260 (802.11ac/a/b/g/n, 2x2). Dell equips all configurations in the German online shop with the fast AC module; however, our review unit only uses the inexpensive Dell Wireless 1506. Even though performance, range and features naturally cannot keep up with the more expensive versions (no Bluetooth, WiGig or WiDi), this module gets the job done: The maximum transfer rate of 150 Mbit/s is stable even with a distance of a few meters and some walls in between.
Security
Dell equipped the Latitude with Intel's vPro technology, which includes different security and remote-access features. You can, for instance, delete sensitive data or lock the whole device in case of a theft (Intel Anti-Theft) - a very important aspect for many companies.