The Dell Latitude 7450 2-in-1 positions itself as a premium business convertible designed for professionals who demand flexibility and reliability. This aluminum-bodied device combines Intel's Core Ultra processors with comprehensive security features and convertible functionality, weighing just 1.5 kg while delivering approximately 11 hours of battery life. The machine excels at productivity tasks with its full port selection including Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, though it stumbles with a display limited to 60Hz refresh rate and modest 51% sRGB color coverage on base configurations. Dell has equipped this convertible with enterprise-grade features including vPro support, Dell Optimizer software, and multiple biometric authentication options, making it particularly attractive for IT departments managing large fleets.^[2][3][4][1]

Design and Build Quality

The Dell Latitude 7450 2-in-1 presents a refined aluminum chassis finished in Titan Gray that prioritizes durability and professional aesthetics over flashy design elements. The all-metal construction demonstrates solid engineering with minimal flex across the keyboard deck and lid, though the 360-degree hinge requires two hands to open beyond 90 degrees. Dell has achieved a commendable balance at 1.5 kg, making this convertible genuinely portable for professionals who move between meetings and work locations throughout the day.^[1][4][2][3]

The convertible mechanism transitions smoothly between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes without wobble or looseness. A subtle design choice positions two rubber feet on the lid's bottom edge, which lift the rear of the chassis when opened beyond 90 degrees, improving airflow to the cooling system. The matte finish resists fingerprints reasonably well, though the glossy Dell logo on the lid attracts smudges.^[4][2][3]

Port placement demonstrates thoughtful consideration for real-world use. The left edge houses HDMI 2.1 and two Thunderbolt 4 ports supporting Power Delivery and DisplayPort 2.1, while the right side features two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a 3.5mm combo jack, and a Wedge lock slot. This configuration eliminates the dongle dependency that plagues many modern business laptops. Optional configurations add SmartCard reader and nano-SIM slots for enhanced security and cellular connectivity.^[2][3]

The 14-inch display is surrounded by thin bezels measuring approximately 5mm on the sides and top, with a slightly thicker bottom bezel housing one of two downward-firing speakers. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the touchscreen, a rare premium feature in this segment that provides scratch resistance during stylus use. Dell includes an active pen with ink support for annotation and drawing tasks.^[1][2][3]

Performance in Real Use

The Intel Core Ultra 7 165U processor at the heart of the Latitude 7450 2-in-1 delivers consistent performance for typical business workloads involving productivity suites, video conferencing, and web-based applications. Geekbench 6 scores of 2,339 single-core and 9,630 multi-core position this machine competitively against other 15W ultraportable processors. The system handles multiple Chrome windows with dozens of tabs, simultaneous Slack conversations, Outlook email, and Microsoft Teams calls without perceptible slowdown.^[1][4][2]

However, the Core Ultra 7 165U reveals limitations under sustained heavy loads. Initial performance testing uncovered poor single-core scores requiring a BIOS update for improvement, indicating Dell shipped units before full optimization. More concerning for power users, the processor struggles to maintain its 44W PL2 power limit during extended multi-core workloads, eventually settling at around 34W and corresponding clock speeds of 3.24 GHz on P-cores and 2.71 GHz on E-cores. This thermal throttling means video encoding, batch photo processing, or compilation tasks will take noticeably longer than specifications suggest.^[1][3]

The integrated Intel Graphics 4-Core GPU handles basic graphics needs including hardware-accelerated video playback and light photo editing. Gaming performance remains modest, with Counter-Strike 2 achieving 91 FPS on Low settings at 1080p but dropping to 26 FPS on Very High. This machine clearly targets productivity over entertainment or creative workloads requiring GPU acceleration.^[3]

Dell includes 32GB of LPDDR5x-6400 memory in dual-channel configuration on higher-end models, which proves ample for demanding multitasking scenarios. The fast memory bandwidth benefits integrated graphics performance and overall system responsiveness. Storage performance from the 512GB SK Hynix BC901 M.2 2230 SSD delivers sequential reads of 4,946 MB/s and writes of 916 MB/s, adequate for business use though not class-leading.^[1][2][3]

Ease of Use

The keyboard provides a satisfying typing experience with good key travel, soft tactile feedback, and accurate response during extended document creation sessions. Dell employs mini-LED backlighting that consumes less power than traditional illumination, though reviewers note the backlight intensity feels somewhat weak in low-light conditions. Layout choices prove mostly sensible, with properly sized keys and good spacing, though the arrow key cluster combines confusingly small up and down keys with full-height left and right keys. A dedicated Copilot key sits prominently in the top row for quick AI assistant access.^[2][3]

The power button doubles as a fingerprint reader positioned in the top-right corner, offering reliable biometric authentication that consistently recognized enrolled fingers during testing. The touchpad measures 133 x 72mm, utilizing nearly all available space below the keyboard. Its glass surface provides smooth gliding and precise tracking, with quiet clicks and reliable gesture recognition for Windows 11 navigation.^[2][3]

The touchscreen responds accurately to both finger and stylus input with minimal latency. The 1920x1200 resolution delivers adequate sharpness at 162 PPI for reading text and viewing spreadsheets, though the 60Hz refresh rate feels dated compared to 90Hz or 120Hz panels increasingly common in premium laptops. Fast scrolling through long documents or web pages reveals stuttering that higher refresh rates eliminate.^[4][1][2]

Dell's Optimizer software provides a centralized control panel for system management, divided into Applications, Audio, Network, Power, and Presence Detection sections. The Presence Detection features particularly impress, including Onlooker Detection that automatically blurs screen content when the IR camera detects someone peering over the user's shoulder. ExpressSign-in wakes the system and logs in as the user approaches, while Walk Away Lock secures the machine when the user leaves.^[2]

Reliability

The Dell Latitude 7450 2-in-1 incorporates enterprise-grade reliability features expected from the Latitude line, including vPro platform support for remote management and troubleshooting. Off-host BIOS verification and secured component verification protect against firmware-level attacks that bypass operating system security. The optional self-encrypting drive with Opal 2 standard provides hardware-level encryption for sensitive data.^[3][2]

The thermal management system employs a single fan, one heat pipe, a heat sink, and a heat spreader to control the Core Ultra 7 165U's temperatures. Under sustained loads, the fan remains audible but not intrusive, maintaining CPU temperatures around 82°C while keyboard hotspots peak at 45°C. Users report the laptop remains comfortable on lap use even during extended stress. The Dell Optimizer's "Optimized" mode reduces fan noise significantly while allowing P-cores and E-cores to maintain respectable 2.65 GHz and 2.25 GHz frequencies for quieter operation when maximum performance isn't required.^[2][3]

The 57Wh battery configuration delivers approximately 11 hours of video playback in Dell's testing and around seven hours of mixed productivity use including web browsing, document editing, and video calls. The included 65W USB-C charger replenishes the battery from 20 percent to full in approximately 50 minutes. This fast charging capability proves valuable for professionals with limited time between meetings or flights.^[3][2]

Use Cases

The Dell Latitude 7450 2-in-1 targets mobile professionals in corporate environments who value versatility and security over cutting-edge performance. Consultants who present to clients benefit from the convertible design's tent and tablet modes for sharing content across a conference table. The Thunderbolt 4 ports support single-cable docking solutions that connect multiple monitors, peripherals, and power through one connection.^[4][1][2][3]

Healthcare professionals using electronic medical records find the touchscreen and stylus support valuable for annotating patient charts and reviewing diagnostic images. The privacy features including webcam shutter, Onlooker Detection, and fingerprint reader address HIPAA compliance concerns. The sanitizable aluminum surface withstands regular cleaning with disinfecting wipes.^[6][2]

Field service technicians appreciate the lightweight construction and all-day battery life when working at customer sites without reliable power access. The included Wi-Fi 7 ensures fast connectivity to modern wireless infrastructure, while optional 4G or 5G WWAN provides cellular backup when Wi-Fi proves unavailable. The Wedge lock slot enables physical security when leaving the laptop unattended in semi-public spaces.^[4][3]

Financial services professionals handling sensitive client data benefit from the comprehensive security stack including vPro, TPM 2.0 chip, and optional SmartCard reader for multi-factor authentication. The laptop's professional appearance suits client-facing roles where image matters.^[2][3]

This convertible proves less suitable for creative professionals requiring accurate color reproduction, as the base display covers only 51% of sRGB. Video editors and photographers should specify the optional 2560x1600 panel with 100% sRGB coverage to meet color accuracy requirements. Similarly, users running intensive computational workloads including data science, 3D rendering, or software compilation will find the 15W processor's sustained performance insufficient compared to 28W or 45W options.^[1][3]

Long-term Ownership Feedback

The limited upgradeability represents the most significant long-term ownership concern for the Dell Latitude 7450 2-in-1. The soldered LPDDR5x memory eliminates future RAM upgrades, forcing buyers to anticipate memory needs for the laptop's entire service life. While 32GB proves adequate for most business workloads today, more demanding applications five years from now may expose this limitation.^[5][3]

The single M.2 2230 slot restricts storage expansion options. Unlike full-size M.2 2280 slots common in larger laptops, the compact 2230 form factor limits maximum capacity and often costs more per gigabyte. Users requiring extensive local storage for large datasets or media libraries will need external solutions.^[3]

The base panel's modest color coverage and lack of high refresh rate options may frustrate users as competing business laptops increasingly adopt 90Hz OLED displays as standard equipment. While the current 60Hz IPS panel functions adequately, the lack of a refresh rate upgrade path means this convertible will feel increasingly dated as user expectations evolve.^[4][3]

Dell's enterprise warranty and support infrastructure provides comprehensive coverage for business deployments. The standard three-year Basic Onsite Service after Remote Diagnosis included with many configurations ensures technician dispatch for hardware failures, minimizing downtime for critical users. ProSupport upgrades add direct access to advanced technical support and next-business-day parts replacement.^[10]

Battery longevity will determine long-term satisfaction, as the 57Wh capacity already represents the maximum configuration. After 300-500 charge cycles typical over two to three years, capacity degradation will reduce the impressive 11-hour runtime. The battery is replaceable during service, though not user-accessible without disassembling the chassis.^[3]

The Dell Latitude 7450 2-in-1 succeeds as a reliable business convertible that prioritizes practicality and security over specification leadership. Its aluminum construction, comprehensive port selection, and enterprise features justify consideration for corporate deployments where these attributes matter more than display innovation or sustained performance under extreme workloads.^[1][4][2][3]