Are you looking for the smallest possible work device packed with power and performance? Fortunately, the Dell Precision 3470 has got you covered!
For individuals who want more efficiency than a standard business or professional laptop has to provide, an ultraportable and compact workstation is a great option. Combining the processor’s power, ultra-screen real estate precision, ample storage and RAM, and specialised discrete graphics with independent software vendor (ISV) certification to work on resource-intensive applications such as gaming, 3R rendering, content creation, etc.
The Dell Precision 3470 we have tested and reviewed in this article is a 14-inch ultraportable multitasking Dell laptop that is more portable than most of its counterparts and, according to tech enthusiasts, is the world’s most portable and lightest laptop. Undoubtedly, it doesn’t have all the muscles of the elite rigs. Still, it’s the most innovativemost competent 14-inch machine, providing you with all the power you want in a business laptop.
Let’s take a deep dive into this sleek Dell Business laptop!
Pros and Cons of Dell Precision 3470
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Specifications
| CPU | Intel Core i5 Processor |
| Screen Size | 14 inches |
| Maximum Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| SSD | 512 GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA Quadro T550 4GB GDDR6 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
| Colour | Grey |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Keyboard | Backlit |
| Weight | 1.49 kg |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 Support, HDMI 2.0 Port, Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort, and USB C Ports |
Design and Build Quality
The Dell Precision 3470 and has a sleek, simple design that impresses everyone. The lid features a white Logo on the back with a solid grey body. When you open the laptop, you’ll find a large touchpad, a large keyboard, and a 1920 x 1080-pixel display.
The laptop’s show doesn’t wobble, and the body doesn’t flex in any way. Built with precision in mind, the Dell Precision 3470 is immensely portable; given its 1.49 kg screen size of only 14 inches, you can easily pack it into your backpack and briefcase and take it or use it anywhere.
According to Dell’s claims, the laptop has passed MIL-STD-810G testing, which means it is durable enough to withstand daily bumps, vibrations, and extreme weather conditions. Overall, this Dell business laptop strikes a perfect balance of space and power efficiency to meet the demanding needs of all professionals, ranging from content creators to remote employees, engineers to accounting experts, etc.
Display
Another standout feature of the Dell Precision 3470 is its display quality and size. Boasting a compact architecture to optimise heat dissipation and airflow, this laptop provides clear and crisp visuals on the 14-inch FHD panel.
If we look at the display features, the Dell Precision comes with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and refresh rates of 60 Hz, which are far greater than a laptop of this size and price point. Besides the higher resolution and refresh rate, it supports 250 nits’ brightness, 45% NTSC colour gamut with a 600:1 contrast ratio, and wide viewing angles to take your viewing experience to the next level.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Dell has packed the Precision 3470 with a desktop-sized backlit keyboard for improved productivity and versatility. The keyboard provides a smooth and comfortable typing experience for extended hours without causing hand strain or fatigue.
On the other hand, the touchpad crammed into this laptop allows you to navigate quickly and perform faster operations. The touchpad’s surface is very responsive for multitasking, enabling the two-finger process to read documents, pinch-to-zoom in and out of images, and switch different applications smoothly and simultaneously.
Performance Benchmarks
Typically, slim and portable laptops may need more cooling solutions; despite having high-performance hardware, they can get throttled easily. The Dell Precision shines in both aspects, including the cooling front and performance.
The laptop lets you experience the thrill of efficiency with the inclusion of 12th-generation Intel Core i5 Processor. The processor has been optimised for 40% enhanced performance compared to the previous generations, better photo editing and multitasking. A more impressive fact is that this device operates silently and seamlessly even under a heavy, mixed workload that stresses both the CPU and GPU.
If we look at the graphics capabilities, the Dell Precision 3470 also excels among the other Dell laptops. It has been preloaded with NVIDIA Quadro T550 4GB GDDR6 to deliver an excellent visual experience in graphics-intensive applications such as photo editing, 3D modeling, and logo designing without lags or visual tearing.
Thanks to the 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe, you can open multiple tabs or 1000+ row Excel sheets and download plenty of movies and files at faster boot times. To further enhance performance, Dell has incorporated several AI-powered tools and software optimisations that can learn your patterns and respond accordingly.
Security Features
As the title indicates, the laptop is designed for business professionals and often for dealing with sensitive data and critical information. Therefore, Dell has added privacy and security features to this ultraportable form factor. These features include Onlooker detection, which texturizes the screen when another person looks at it, and look-away detection, which darkens the screen when you look away.
The Dell Precision has Windows 10 Pro enhancements, such as a Hello-compatible webcam and fingerprint reader for added security and privacy settings. You can also enjoy the premium features of Dell Encryption Enterprise, VMware Workspace ONE, Dell Threat Defence, Carbonite, etc. In addition, a wedge-shaped security lock slot enables you to connect with tethering cables and external devices to prevent your device from theft.
Thunderbolt 4
The Dell Precision 3470 also has dual Thunderbolt connectivity ports to streamline productivity. Thunderbolt is a technology standard that is used to transfer chunks of data, offer video output, and also charge the connected devices — all over the same cable.
Each Thunderbolt 4 port allows you to share data at 40 GB/s and deliver a video signal via DisplayPort Alt Mode technology. You can also link your laptop with resource-demanding devices, including external storage arrays, to get the most out of power delivery features.
Audio and Webcam
Befitting a laptop designed for business professionals such as data analysts, content creators, and remote workers, this Dell laptop’s Webcam quality is excellent. It boasts a 1080p IR webcam and a built-in microphone array to ensure you can view and hear every detail in online meetings, video conferences, and webinars.
Hold on… There’s more to it! You’ll also get a physical camera shutter to cover up the lens when not in use, keeping your device away from hackers.
Ports Selection
Despite the dual Thunderbolt connectivity ports, the Dell Precision also includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, which speed up your data transfer for up to 5 GB/s and are suitable to connect with multiple devices such as printers, projectors, and accessories.
A HDMI video-out port is included in this business laptop to expand your workspace with more screen real estate. Not limited to this… With the 3.5 mm audio jack, you can hook up a wide range of headsets to elevate your conference call experience to the next level. The microSD card slot also allows you to transfer files from your camera, phone, and tablet without needing a specific cable.
Price and Availability
The Dell Precision 3470 is a powerful workstation and one of the most budget-friendly Dell laptops. With an NVIDIA Quadro T550 4GB GDDR6 GPU, an Intel Core i5 Processor, 16 GB of RAM, AND 512 GB of SSD, it is a 14″ FHD laptop priced under £1100.
In the UK, you can find it and get it from all the leading tech retailers, including Laptop Outlet. If you are facing budget constraints and cannot afford this price, you can also consider a refurbished model and save more money.
Final Verdict
The Dell Precision 3470 mobile workstation offers more portability than most laptops with this price tag. It is a slim 14-inch and MIL-STD 810H-built form factor and one of the great options from the Dell laptops line to get professional-grade performance in the office or on the road.
On the flip side, the Precision 3470 has minimalist upgradeability features and may produce noise on heavy workloads due to its small and compact size. However, Dell’s exceptional performance and built-in security benchmarks underscore its desirability as the most portable and compelling solution for content creators, remote workers, engineers, and other business professionals.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit Laptop Outlet and get your hands on this power-packed, efficient laptop!
