Notebookcheck Logo

Review Dell Latitude E5440-4668 Notebook

Co-worker. Practical, enduring, reliable, and down to earth. Who does not want such a colleague? Our report reveals whether Dell's new 14-inch laptop adorns itself with these qualities.
Latitude E5440 with HD+ screen. The ultimate office book?
Latitude E5440 with HD+ screen. The ultimate office book?

For the original German review, see here.

Dell sorts its classic business laptops that do not fit in the ultrabook category (Latitude 14 E7440) in its 3000, 5000, and 6000 Series. To complete confusion, every one of these product lines (with a few exceptions) includes 13, 14 and 15-inch devices. The Latitude E5440 comes from the middle, not only in terms of equipment but also in price. Dell demands 680 Euros (~$936) including VAT (Core i3, 500 GB, HD screen, one-year basic warranty) for the basic configuration of the Latitude 14 5000 Series. The customer would reach the top end at 850 Euros (~$1170). Our review sample would then feature an HD+ screen and Core i5.

That is not too steep a price for a high-quality office laptop with abundant equipment and many options. Where does the Latitude E5440 lineup compared with the competition? We particularly focused on the 14-inch HP ProBook 640 G1 (i5, HD+) and Fujitsu LifeBook E743 (i5, HD+). HP demands 790 Euros (~$1087) for its 640, and Fujitsu wants 920 Euros (~$1266). Another alternative is Lenovo's ThinkPad L440 (HD); the more interesting HD+ configuration is currently available starting at 750 Euros (~$1032) (prices for our test configurations, equipment-dependent).

Case

Rubber-coated surfaces on the display lid,...
Rubber-coated surfaces on the display lid,...
...and the entire casing.
...and the entire casing.

The chassis strongly resembles the recently tested E5540, which is a 15-inch sister model. Dell uses plastic with a high-quality feel owing to its sleek or perhaps its lightly rubber-coated surface. The fiberglass-reinforced lid can clearly be warped, and the center where the logo is located can be dented. A rubber lip lines the display's front edge, and provides the lid with a softly padded closure.

The aluminum-clad hinges make a very robust impression. However, the reality is not so impressive. Nevertheless, the cover stiffens the hinges. Unfortunately, the base does not defy warping to the extent that we had hoped for. The chassis creaks when warped slightly at the sides. This is not due to the underside that is made of one piece, and can be completely removed for maintenance.

Connectivity

ExpressCard 54 slot occupant
ExpressCard 54 slot occupant

The interfaces are virtually identical with the E5540 sister model that, however, has an additional USB port on the rear. Only three of these ports are installed in the E5440. Naturally, a docking port is on the underside, and we discovered an ExpressCard 54 slot for expansion cards on the left. None of the three contenders offer ExpressCard, and instead provide a SmartCard reader (E743 and ProBook 640). Unlike the three contenders, there is no DisplayPort, something also omitted in the E5430. Something not carried over from the E5430 is the eSATA.

Left: AC, wireless module switch, HDMI, USB 3.0, ExpressCard 54/34, SD card reader
Left: AC, wireless module switch, HDMI, USB 3.0, ExpressCard 54/34, SD card reader
Right: DVD multi-burner, combo audio, USB 3.0, screw-mountable (rare!) VGA d-Sub , Kensington
Right: DVD multi-burner, combo audio, USB 3.0, screw-mountable (rare!) VGA d-Sub , Kensington
Rear: Ethernet RJ45, USB 2.0
Rear: Ethernet RJ45, USB 2.0

The communication, security, maintenance facilities, and warranty periods correspond to the 15-inch E5540, and thus we would refer to this review. Wi-Fi reception via the same Wireless-AC 7260 module was possible up to 45 meters (~150 feet) outdoors in our non-standardized test. Many consumer laptops cannot open websites within a good time at this distance. The E5440 can be ordered with a 3G modem, or it can be retrofitted should the wireless connection not suffice. The mSATA slot is easy to access, and antennas are also installed. The SIM card is inserted under the battery.

Rare: with recovery DVDs
Rare: with recovery DVDs
Guide
Guide
65-Watt power supply
65-Watt power supply

The webcam does a poor job. Unnatural colors, no details, and blurry outlines even in daylight only fulfill the requirements for a low-res video chat. In return, the microphone is somewhat better. Although a permanent background noise affects the speech quality, its recording is loud and clear.

Webcam and dual-array microphone
Webcam and dual-array microphone
1280 x 720 pixels with little detail,...
1280 x 720 pixels with little detail,...
...and very intense noise
...and very intense noise
Reference: EOS 1100D
Reference: EOS 1100D

Input Devices

Keyboard

The keys are submerged in a flat recess, and a one-millimeter gap separates them. Unlike the commonly used island-style, a homogeneous key area is created that provides accuracy because every key is on a base. The keys feature a concave surfaceclear pressure point, and medium drop. The stroke is soft, and the keys sit firmly almost everywhere. We only ascertained a slight yielding in the 1 - 6 number area.

The layout makes a very clearly arranged impression, and the bright lettering is very distinct. A four-level backlight can be adapted quickly via the function key. However, the keyboard cannot compete with the professional input of a T-Series ThinkPad. The keys would need a bit more drop and be even more concave for that.

Special keys, such as the Wi-Fi hardware switch on the casing's right or volume control, are also available. Some users will miss the E5540's number pad, but the width of the keys makes it impossible. The contenders do not offer one either.

Touchpad

The touchpad's counterpart, a blue TrackPoint, is found on the keyboard. This second input option has many fans, and Lenovo's ThinkPad L440 as well as Fujitsu's LifeBook E743 also have one. Only the ProBook 640 G1 does not offer this, and limits this feature to the EliteBooks.

All five buttons feature a medium drop, a subdued, almost soft stroke (quiet!), and a rubber surface. In return, the pressure point differs. The feedback from the lower row of touchpad keys is not similar to the upper row of touchpad keys. The arrangement is practical because it prevents accidentally pressing the space bar when using the TrackPoint. The contenders simply use a bigger spacing here.

No number pad, but first-rate feedback
No number pad, but first-rate feedback
Touchpad: Smooth and quick-to-trigger keys
Touchpad: Smooth and quick-to-trigger keys
Special keys for volume/mute
Special keys for volume/mute

Display

An important feature of the Latitude is its matte HD+ screen with a resolution of 1600x900 pixels (131 ppi). This resolution provides a clearly arranged screen without exaggerating with too high of a pixel density. Dell also has an HD version available (1366x768 pixels). The matte AUO screen (B140RTN, Dell P/N: M4RTT) is a TN (Twisted Nematic) model that does not promise perfect viewing angles.

The TFT's brightness makes a good impression with over 300 cd/m², and surpasses all tested devices' total average by approximately 50 cd/m². The evenness of the illumination commonly suffers under a high brightness, but 84% is acceptable. Dark and light areas are not so far apart that we noticed differences with our naked eye. We did not ascertain white spots, i.e. clouding, even on a black screen.

292
cd/m²
295
cd/m²
316
cd/m²
294
cd/m²
334
cd/m²
306
cd/m²
298
cd/m²
281
cd/m²
283
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AUO223E B140RTN Dell P/N: M4RTT tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 334 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 299.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 334 cd/m²
Contrast: 242:1 (Black: 1.38 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 10.87 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 11.93 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
45% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
48.74% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
70.4% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
47.12% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.55
Dell Latitude E5440-4668
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
HD Graphics 4600, 4330M, 500 GB - 5400 rpm
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
HD Graphics 4000, 3230M, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Display
-16%
-16%
-16%
Display P3 Coverage
47.12
39.79
-16%
39.45
-16%
39.85
-15%
sRGB Coverage
70.4
58.7
-17%
59.1
-16%
58.7
-17%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
48.74
40.86
-16%
40.77
-16%
40.99
-16%
Screen
22%
19%
17%
Brightness middle
334
212
-37%
305
-9%
267
-20%
Brightness
300
204
-32%
284
-5%
272
-9%
Brightness Distribution
84
92
10%
86
2%
91
8%
Black Level *
1.38
0.3236
77%
0.71
49%
0.54
61%
Contrast
242
655
171%
430
78%
494
104%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
10.87
10.83
-0%
8.13
25%
10.39
4%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
11.93
11.42
4%
8.78
26%
11.13
7%
Gamma
2.55 86%
2.68 82%
2.63 84%
2.29 96%
CCT
15424 42%
13243 49%
10360 63%
13721 47%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
45
37.84
-16%
37.7
-16%
37.4
-17%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
3% / 12%
2% / 9%
1% / 8%

* ... smaller is better

AdobeRGB: 45% coverage
AdobeRGB: 45% coverage
sRGB: 64% coverage
sRGB: 64% coverage

As we noticed using only our eyes: Black is not deep black, but looks more like a very dark gray. The low contrast of 242:1 confirms the visual impression. Some contenders do a better job here, even if 655:1 (L440) is not a top score. Good consumer screens from a similar price range, some with a matte surface, often achieve 800 to 1200:1.

Color spaces are not a topic for either our review sample or the contenders. The percentage is 37% to 45% here; neither will satisfy professional graphic designers. As usual, we assessed the screen using the spectrophotometer, and calibrated it afterwards. Calibration eliminated the colors' visible bluish cast in the state of delivery. The colors looked warmer and more natural, but the viewing angle stability decreased slightly.

CalMAN recorded a DeltaE of just below 11 for the colors. We measure this high shift in low-budget screens time and again.

CalMAN Grayscale: non-calibrated w/ bluish cast
CalMAN Grayscale: non-calibrated w/ bluish cast
CalMAN Saturation: Visible shift
CalMAN Saturation: Visible shift
CalMAN Saturation: DeltaE2000: 11
CalMAN Saturation: DeltaE2000: 11

Matte = ideal for outdoors? In fact, we did not have any problems in daylight, particularly because the maximum brightness (334 cd/m² average) can also be set in battery mode.

Direct light, cloudy
Direct light, cloudy
Light from the side, cloudy
Light from the side, cloudy

As expected from the TN screen, the Latitude does not have stable viewing angles. The screen only displays true images in the ideal angle. We shot a picture in state of delivery, i.e. not calibrated. The image quality is ruined as soon as the user leaves the sweet spot. We only see a picture with inverted colors when looking from above or from below. An angle of over 45 degrees from the sides leads to massive distortions.

Latitude E5440: HD+ (TN) viewing angles
Latitude E5440: HD+ (TN) viewing angles

Performance

Dell relies on an Intel Core i5-4300U (1.9 GHz) CPU, which, until now, was a rare sister model of the massively used i5-4200U (1.6 GHz). The processor can run with a maximum of 2.9 GHz via Turbo. It is a member of Intel's current Haswell generation, and has a TDP of 15 Watts.

Dell installs 8 GB of working memory in our review sample. Both banks are filled. A solid-state hybrid drive (Seagate ST500LM000) with a gross capacity of 500 GB finishes that off. The initial space available to the user is 410 GB. The HDD's 64 GB flash unit is not intended for direct usage. Frequently used data blocks are written to the NAND, which leads to programs opening quite swiftly and fast system startups.

System info CPU-Z CPU
System info CPU-Z Cache
System info CPU-Z Mainboard
System info CPU-Z Memory
System info CPU-Z SPD
System info GPU-Z Intel HD 4400
HD Tune 90 MB/s seq. read
CrystalDiskMark 36 MB/s seq. read
System information: Dell Latitude E5440-4668

Processor

Prime95: Multi-CPU stress
Prime95: Multi-CPU stress
FurMark: GPU stress
FurMark: GPU stress

We checked whether the cooling system can maintain the CPU's Turbo, so if it discharges the corresponding amount of waste air during load. A bulky 14-inch chassis alongside a ULV processor should easily manage that, and it does. The clock rate stably remained at 2.6 GHz in both the Cinebench tests and the stress test using only Prime95 (multi-core in each case). Full power also applies to the integrated HD 4400 that maxed out its Turbo of up to 1050 MHz. This clock frequency in conjunction with the corresponding performance (Cinebench scores) is also available in battery mode.

The review sample lines up below Lenovo's ThinkPad L440 (Intel Core i5-4330M) by 24% to 33%. The latter sports a standard voltage processor. This is also the case with the LifeBook (i5-3230M, Ivy Bridge platform). Haswell achieves a better per-Watt performance, and the current ULV can almost match the old standard voltage model.

Cinebench R11.5
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Dell Latitude E5440-4668
1.22 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
1.23 Points
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
1.35 Points
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
1.51 Points
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Dell Latitude E5440-4668
2.75 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
2.89 Points
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
3.24 Points
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
3.66 Points
OpenGL 64Bit (sort by value)
Dell Latitude E5440-4668
18.28 fps
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
12.1 fps
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
14.82 fps
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
14.67 fps
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Dell Latitude E5440-4668
108 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
105 Points
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
118 Points
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Dell Latitude E5440-4668
254 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
258 Points
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
295 Points

Legend

 
Dell Latitude E5440-4668 Intel Core i5-4300U, Intel HD Graphics 4400, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
 
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE Intel Core i5-3230M, Intel HD Graphics 4000, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
 
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET Intel Core i5-4200M, Intel HD Graphics 4600, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
 
Lenovo Thinkpad L440 Intel Core i5-4330M, Intel HD Graphics 4600, 500 GB - 5400 rpm
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.22 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.75 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
18.28 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
108 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
254 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
20.57 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Help

System Performance

We ascertained the application performance with PCMark 7 and 8. The latter is performed in the current 8.2 version, and we thus cannot compare it with all older contenders. The ProBook 640 does not surpass the ULV review sample, although the higher Computation Score recurrently repeats the findings of the pure CPU benchmarks. The strong System Storage Score (+41%) saves our review sample. None of the contenders sport an SSD, and thus the Storage related scores are quite close to each other.

Dell Latitude E5440-4668
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
HD Graphics 4000, 3230M, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
HD Graphics 4600, 4330M, 500 GB - 5400 rpm
PCMark 7
-41%
-18%
Score
3423
2888
-16%
System Storage
3103
1833
-41%
Computation
9536
11149
17%
Productivity
2583
1515
-41%
1787
-31%
PCMark 8
14%
Work Score Accelerated v2
2389
3475
45%
Creative Score Accelerated v2
2406
2445
2%
Home Score Accelerated v2
2572
2452
-5%
Storage Score
1875
2339
2246
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-41% / -41%
-2% / -4%
PCMark 7 Score
3423 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2572 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
2406 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
2389 points
Help

Storage Devices

Seagate's ST500LM000 hard drive might be a hybrid drive, but it does not perform miracles in the relevant benchmarks - the opposite is true. Sequential Read in CrystalDiskMark is oddly low. We usually measure 80 to 110 MB/s from 5400 rpm HDDs rather than 37 MB/s. However, this rate prevailed even in several, time-shifted attempts. Such a massive difference was no longer seen in the Read 4K scores.

Dell Latitude E5440-4668
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
HD Graphics 4000, 3230M, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
HD Graphics 4600, 4330M, 500 GB - 5400 rpm
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
27%
57%
60%
Read Seq
37.08
105.3
184%
120.1
224%
121.5
228%
Write Seq
150.2
104
-31%
118.6
-21%
112.9
-25%
Read 512
27.57
30.4
10%
38.96
41%
41.3
50%
Write 512
48.59
39.39
-19%
52.1
7%
56
15%
Read 4k
0.31
0.351
13%
0.466
50%
0.506
63%
Write 4k
0.685
0.901
32%
1.039
52%
1.123
64%
Read 4k QD32
0.765
0.728
-5%
1.17
53%
0.964
26%
Write 4k QD32
0.692
0.887
28%
1.048
51%
1.123
62%
Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Transfer Rate Minimum: 51.3 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 113.5 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 90.3 MB/s
Access Time: 17.5 ms
Burst Rate: 151.2 MB/s
CPU Usage: -1 %

Graphics Card

Intel's HD Graphics 4400 is responsible for graphic output. It is the typical component of the ULV SoC, and is used in most Haswell CPUs. It clocks with speeds ranging from 200 to 1050 MHz. Cloud Gate easily surpasses both the LifeBook E743 (HD 4000 Ivy Bridge) and ProBook 640 G1 (HD 4600). The Latitude E5440's dual-channel memory takes the lead, but only as long as the CPU does not have a significant role. The stronger processor in the ProBook claims the Cloud Gate Physics test for itself.

3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score (sort by value)
Dell Latitude E5440-4668
4962 Points
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
4429 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
3230 Points
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics (sort by value)
Dell Latitude E5440-4668
6547 Points
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
5141 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
3449 Points
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Physics (sort by value)
Dell Latitude E5440-4668
2687 Points
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
2985 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
2643 Points

Legend

 
Dell Latitude E5440-4668 Intel Core i5-4300U, Intel HD Graphics 4400, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
 
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET Intel Core i5-4200M, Intel HD Graphics 4600, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
 
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE Intel Core i5-3230M, Intel HD Graphics 4000, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
 
Lenovo ThinkPad L430 Intel Core i5-3210M, Intel HD Graphics 4000, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
 
Lenovo Thinkpad L440 Intel Core i5-4330M, Intel HD Graphics 4600, 500 GB - 5400 rpm
3DMark 11 Performance
1015 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
47729 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
4962 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
658 points
Help

Gaming Performance

Gaming is not the playground of an HD 4400, not to mention a Latitude E5440. We nevertheless tried Dead Space 3 (2013) that could only be played in low details. Do older games run better? Mafia 2 from 2010 should look good. In fact, it could be played smoothly in medium details using the HD resolution. Sleeping Dogs from 2012 has high requirements on hardware, and consequently only minimum settings are realistic.

low med. high ultra
Mafia 2 (2010) 50 32 26 13
Sleeping Dogs (2012) 31 26 10
Dead Space 3 (2013) 55 27 21

Emissions

System Noise

We noticed nothing unpleasant about the fan; the active cooling sometimes was even completely disabled in idle mode. Only the hard drive's quiet noise could then be measured, though it was barely audible. The fan has to work harder during load. We measured a noise of 37 dB(A) in the stress test comprised of simultaneous CPU and GPU load. Simple load, for example in a multi-minute CPU benchmark or longer copying, only led to just below 34 dB(A). The fan's characteristic was even and stable.

Noise Level

Idle
30.3 / 32.4 / 32.7 dB(A)
DVD
38.8 / dB(A)
Load
33.7 / 37.4 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Stress test CPU @2.0 GHz
Stress test CPU @2.0 GHz

Part two of our emission tests takes us to the temperatures during the stress test. It is unrealistic for practical use with Prime95 and FurMark running simultaneously for an hour. But we want to know how the laptop deals with temperature development in such a case. While cool surfaces with a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit) dominate on the upper side at idle, stress causes hot spots of up to 42 degrees (107.6 Fahrenheit) on both the upper and underside. That is not much; the ProBook 640 G1ThinkPad L440, and LifeBook E743, all with a higher TDP (37 or 35 Watts) heat up to 48 degrees Celsius (118.4 Fahrenheit). 

The processor ran the stress test at 2.0 GHz reaching a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius (158 Fahrenheit), which is within the Turbo range. Meanwhile, the GPU stably remained at its maximum clock (1050 MHz). Consequently, we do not have to note thermal throttling, particularly since the CPU/GPU benchmarks above confirm a very good processing development in practical use. Throttling below the Turbo rate occurs in ULV processors when the thermal capacity of especially slim and small barebones is not sufficient for cooling.

 28.1 °C
83 F
25.5 °C
78 F
23.9 °C
75 F
 
 27.5 °C
82 F
26.6 °C
80 F
23.8 °C
75 F
 
 27.8 °C
82 F
27 °C
81 F
26.3 °C
79 F
 
Maximum: 28.1 °C = 83 F
Average: 26.3 °C = 79 F
26 °C
79 F
29.5 °C
85 F
28.2 °C
83 F
25.6 °C
78 F
28.6 °C
83 F
28 °C
82 F
24.8 °C
77 F
28 °C
82 F
26.9 °C
80 F
Maximum: 29.5 °C = 85 F
Average: 27.3 °C = 81 F
Power Supply (max.)  29.3 °C = 85 F | Room Temperature 21.9 °C = 71 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34.3 °C / 94 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 41.5 °C / 107 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42 °C / 108 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.3 °C / 79 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(-) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 41.5 °C / 106.7 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-13.8 °C / -24.8 F).

Speakers

The speakers are on the front underneath the wrist rest. They emit their sound toward the tabletop, and the surface is used for reflecting. The volume can be modified or muted quickly via the speaker button in the upper left. The mid-heavy sound can only render trebles distinctively, although playback is quite clear and does not distort even at high volumes. Low ranges are non-existent due to the lack of a subwoofer, or the tiny speakers' lack of a resonator. The sound is acceptable for undemanding background music or Internet radio in the office, but not more.

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The power consumption of the E5440 proves to be very frugal in the category comparison. When idle, it remains below nine Watts, despite its good brightness. The ULV CPU keeps the load maximum significantly below the 46 to 53 Watts that standard voltage contenders consume. Those are the best prerequisites for excellent runtimes.

Dell Latitude E5440-4668
HD Graphics 4400, 4300U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
HD Graphics 4600, 4330M, 500 GB - 5400 rpm
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
HD Graphics 4000, 3230M, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Power Consumption
-46%
-34%
-8%
Idle Minimum *
5.5
8.6
-56%
8.2
-49%
5.4
2%
Idle Average *
8.7
11.8
-36%
11.3
-30%
7.9
9%
Idle Maximum *
8.8
12.7
-44%
13
-48%
8
9%
Load Average *
33
48.1
-46%
38.3
-16%
39
-18%
Load Maximum *
36.5
53.4
-46%
45.9
-26%
52.5
-44%

* ... smaller is better

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.2 / 0.7 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 5.5 / 8.7 / 8.8 Watt
Load midlight 33 / 36.5 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 960
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

The battery runtime proves unrivaled when compared with the contenders. Not every device achieves eight hours in our Wi-Fi test. The battery supplies 65-Watt hours, which the low power consumption spares. HP only installs a 55 Wh model in its 640 G1; Fujitsu's sports 72 Wh and Lenovo even contributes 100 Wh (standard: 56 Wh). Nevertheless, neither the L440 nor the E743 manage to take the lead in runtime despite their higher capacity batteries. The screen's brightness was lowered by nine levels to 143 cd/m² in the Wi-Fi test; that was the closest rate to our standard setting of 150 cd/m².

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
12h 31min
WiFi Surfing
8h 01min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
6h 42min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 18min

Verdict

Dell Latitude E5440-4668
Dell Latitude E5440-4668

The Latitude E5440 offers many features that eager workers want: solid build, pleasing input devicesbright HD+ screen, low emissions, good performance, and agreeably long battery runtimes owing to the ULV processor. There is barely any room for complaint because the Latitude does what it is supposed to for its money. Perfectionists will want a high-contrast IPS screen, but that was not even installed in the premium Latitude E6540 (FHD TN). Our E5440 sample could also have used a better webcam so that higher-resolution video calls or usable pictures would be possible.

The customer might also fancy a LifeBook that is within the review sample's price range (750 - 950 Euros; ~$1032 - $1308). It equally features an HD+, but also a DisplayPort. HP's ProBook 640 G1 would be interesting for all HD+ fans who do not want to live without the power of a standard voltage CPU. Lenovo's ThinkPad L440 has excellent input devices, a robust chassis, and an HD+ (model in retail) to offer. Ultimately, the three contenders are virtually equal in terms of quality and price, although Lenovo demands the lowest price (L440 HD+ starting at 750 Euros; ~$1032). Thus, details like a DisplayPort (HP, Fujitsu) or 3G ready modem (E5440) will be the decisive factor.

Read all 10 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
In Review: Dell Latitude E5440, courtesy of Dell Germany
In Review: Dell Latitude E5440, courtesy of Dell Germany

Specifications

Dell Latitude E5440-4668
Processor
Intel Core i5-4300U 2 x 1.9 - 2.9 GHz, Haswell
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 4400, Core: 1050 MHz
Memory
8 GB 
, 2x Hynix HMT251S6AFR8A-PB DDR3
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1600 x 900 pixel, AUO223E B140RTN Dell P/N: M4RTT, TN, Normally White, Transmissive, a-Si TFT-LCD, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Lynx Point-LP
Storage
Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive, 500 GB 
, 5400 rpm, 64 GB flash 5400 RPM, 410 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Lynx Point-LP - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 Express Card 34mm, 1 Express Card 54mm, 1 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: combo headphone and microphone, Card Reader: SD, TPM 1.2
Networking
Intel I218-LM (Clarkville ULT) Network Adapter (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wireless-AC 7260 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0, optional
Optical drive
PLDS DVD+-RW DU-8A5HH
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 28.6 x 338 x 235 ( = 1.13 x 13.31 x 9.25 in)
Battery
65 Wh Lithium-Ion, 11.1V model VV0NF
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 1.2MP
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard Light: yes, Backup & Recovery, Webcam Central, Dell Touchpad, McAfee Internet Security Trial
Weight
2.295 kg ( = 80.95 oz / 5.06 pounds), Power Supply: 320 g ( = 11.29 oz / 0.71 pounds)

 

In the Business World, Dell is still seen...
In the Business World, Dell is still seen...
...as a manufacturer of everyday-suitable pro laptops.
...as a manufacturer of everyday-suitable pro laptops.
The Latitude E5xxx-models are the upper mainstream category.
The Latitude E5xxx-models are the upper mainstream category.
Solid and quality looking build...
Solid and quality looking build...
...goes hand in hand with first-rate input devices.
...goes hand in hand with first-rate input devices.
Solid metal hinges? No, it's just an aluminum cover.
Solid metal hinges? No, it's just an aluminum cover.
The arrow keys are separated.
The arrow keys are separated.
The keys are concave.
The keys are concave.
The smooth-running, very responsive mouse buttons...
The smooth-running, very responsive mouse buttons...
...allow quick clicking alongside very good feedback.
...allow quick clicking alongside very good feedback.
The fingerprint reader is standard.
The fingerprint reader is standard.
The compact 14-inch chassis looks quite bulky.
The compact 14-inch chassis looks quite bulky.
The lid's surface features a light rubber coating.
The lid's surface features a light rubber coating.
The 14-inch device weighs 2.3 kilograms.
The 14-inch device weighs 2.3 kilograms.
The matte screen has an above average brightness, even in battery mode.
The matte screen has an above average brightness, even in battery mode.
A close-up of the work area.
A close-up of the work area.
The touchpad is supplemented by a pointer and corresponding keys.
The touchpad is supplemented by a pointer and corresponding keys.
The backlit keyboard has a total of four brightness levels. Here: off...
The backlit keyboard has a total of four brightness levels. Here: off...
...level 1...
...level 1...
...level 2...
...level 2...
...level 3...
...level 3...
...level 4...
...level 4...
Compulsory: Docking station connector
Compulsory: Docking station connector
Underside: The sooner weak speakers emit their sound from here.
Underside: The sooner weak speakers emit their sound from here.
The stereo speakers shouldn't be used for background music.
The stereo speakers shouldn't be used for background music.
Dell strongly focuses on maintenance:
Dell strongly focuses on maintenance:
The plate can be lifted after removing five screws. However, two could not be refastened.
The plate can be lifted after removing five screws. However, two could not be refastened.
The fan can be cleaned here.
The fan can be cleaned here.
The CMOS battery can be replaced here.
The CMOS battery can be replaced here.
Two RAM slots
Two RAM slots
The hard drive
The hard drive
Compartment for the optional 3G modem (neighboring the Wi-Fi module)
Compartment for the optional 3G modem (neighboring the Wi-Fi module)
Battery with a capacity of 65 Wh
Battery with a capacity of 65 Wh
Typical Dell: Ports on the rear, even if not many.
Typical Dell: Ports on the rear, even if not many.
Peculiar: The dummy in the Expresscard 45 slot is a letter-opener and a mini-ruler at the same time.
Peculiar: The dummy in the Expresscard 45 slot is a letter-opener and a mini-ruler at the same time.
Classic: Wireless can be disabled via a switch.
Classic: Wireless can be disabled via a switch.
The power supply provides 65 Watts.
The power supply provides 65 Watts.
It weighs 320 grams (0.7 lbs).
It weighs 320 grams (0.7 lbs).
Latitude E5440: Backlit keyboard with four brightness levels.
Latitude E5440: Backlit keyboard with four brightness levels.

Similar Laptops

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Acer TravelMate P246-M-598B Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4210U
Dell Latitude 14 E5450 Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4310U

Devices with the same GPU and/or Screen Size

Dell Latitude 14 Rugged 5404 Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4310U, 3.07 kg
Toshiba Tecra Z40T-A1410 Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4310U, 1.624 kg
Dell Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4300U, 3.69 kg
Toshiba Tecra Z40 A-147 Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4200U, 1.47 kg

Links

  • Manufacturer's information

Compare Prices

Pros

+Heavy, solid casing
+Practical HD+ resolution
+Bright, matte screen
+Very good input devices
+Long battery runtimes
+Maintenance-friendly
+Low emissions
 

Cons

-Low contrast
-Weak viewing angles
-Low webcam quality
-No DisplayPort

Shortcut

What we like

Everyday-suitable chassis with a matte, very bright screen. The input devices are fun to use, and there's not much about the device that is really irritating.

What we'd like to see

A DisplayPort, more contrast.

What surprises us

Low voltage in a standard chassis is apparently going in production by Dell. Most 14-inch contenders sport a standard mobile processor.

The 14-inch contenders

Premium range:

Dell Latitude E7440
Dell Latitude E6440
HP EliteBook 840 G1
Lenovo ThinkPad T440 20B6005YGE
ThinkPad T440s 20AQ0069GE
Acer TravelMate P645-MG-9419
Toshiba Tecra R940-1FL
Asus Pro B43V-CU024X

Less pricey:

HP ProBook 645 G1 (HD)
Dell Latitude 3440 (HD+)

Rating

Dell Latitude E5440-4668 - 05/02/2014 v4(old)
Sebastian Jentsch

Chassis
74 / 98 → 76%
Keyboard
88%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
84 / 80 → 100%
Weight
61 / 20-67 → 87%
Battery
89%
Display
73%
Games Performance
69 / 68 → 100%
Application Performance
67 / 92 → 73%
Temperature
80%
Noise
90%
Audio
63%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
74%
81%
Office - Weighted Average
Sebastian Jentsch, 2014-05-10 (Update: 2018-05-15)