When the first Dell Latitude laptops arrived during the early 1990s, computers were viewed with suspicion. They were considered complicated and unrefined at best, frightening and insulting at worst; the only comfort being that the millennium bug would soon see the ghastly things off once and for all. PCs, particularly in the workplace, were seen more as a dread harbinger of mass unemployment and merciless robot overlords (Terminator 2: Judgment Day had just been released), and even amongst the non-paranoid, such devices were a very long way from becoming the man’s-new-best-friend mainstay of today.

A lot has changed since the 90s, and artificial consciousness is still a few years off. Thankfully, the Dell Latitude range is a reassuring constant in the business world, and has led the way in professional computer design since its inception.

Simple but effective design policies are at the forefront of the range’s appeal. Dell often retain internal components and specifications between models, thereby ensuring that businesses from start-ups to multinationals benefit from easy repairs, quick updates and efficient support. The last thing that a workplace needs on top of a broken computer is a broken support structure.

If the Dell Latitude range is conveniently consistent from one model to the next, it’s well hidden; the line is frequently evolving, and retains a very modern edge that is perfect for the professional world. Current models, for example, boast useful 2-in-1 designs, providing the touchscreen mobility of a tablet with the memory, graphics and power of a laptop. It also provides satisfying wow-power through the detachable function. Their displays are consistently top-notch, and they come with a range of high-end security options that are perfect for combating the contemporary dangers of computing. Of which there are many.

And those are just a few of the points that make Dell Latitude laptops stand out. Let’s take a look at some notable models that are making a particular impact in today’s market.

Dell Latitude 13 3380

This one’s useful for everyone from students to remote workers. Benefiting from a touchscreen display with a 180 degree hinge, it is perfect for collaborating and sharing content with others – this is very useful for things like seminars, pitches and client meetings.

It also is noteworthy for its best-in-class durability. This, again, lends itself nicely to the modern world of work, as well as the realities of student life. The Gorilla Glass screen ensures that scratching is reassuringly difficult, and there are rubberised edges and a spill-resistant keyboard thrown into the bargain too. Whether you’re spilling your pre-club vodka and orange squash or your flat white, it’ll take next-level clumsiness to inflict permanent damage. We don’t recommend testing that theory though.

Meanwhile, a Core-I processor handles a wealth of resource-intensive tasks at once without slowing the laptop down, and the Windows 10 operating systems offer that smooth user experience that is so central to enjoyment.

It’s a great example of what makes the Latitude range so popular.

Dell Latitude 14 7480

Here’s an example of a business-class laptop par excellence; a sleek, portable and beautiful device.

‘Premium-ness’, a word that should rightfully have been invented for this very product, runs right through the laptop – from the smooth, seamless exterior to its facial recognition login features – and it doesn’t even lose out in its battery life. Everything from an Intel® 7th Gen ultra-low volt (U) processor to the stunning Gorilla Glass touchscreen display is fully optimised to suit the needs of modern business, and its flexible docking options ensure that it is as comfortable in the office as in the home – simply hook up your extra monitors and devices and you’re ready for a day of very serious business work.

Put simply, it’s a fantastic professional laptop, at a fraction of the price of a desktop or Mac equivalent: versatile, powerful and very well designed.

Dell Latitude 15 5580

The Latitude 5580 is a sturdy, performance-oriented device, benefiting particularly from its security functions. Like the aforementioned Latitude 13 7480, users need to bring their face with them if they want to log in, but this device also boasts pretty serious additions like a contacted FIPS 201 Smart Card Reader, a touch fingerprint reader, and a Contactless Smart Card Reader NFC with Control Vault 2™ Fips 140-2 Level 3 Certification. Basically, unauthorised access is near impossible.

With more security features, as well as Dell vPro extensions for remote management, this device makes a fantastic master device for your fleet of what will hopefully be other Dell Latitude laptops. It also happens to be very light, very sleek and very user-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about being stuck behind a massive supercomputer all day if you’re the head of IT. Appearances are everything, right?

What we’re trying to say is…

Though the three laptops we’ve just highlighted are very different beasts – and suit very different professionals and career paths – they all share in their first-class reliability and functionality. That’s where Dell laptops excel: a Macbook might be better for artsy stuff and look good in your loft apartment, and a desktop takes the biscuit for graphically intensive tasks, but neither have the roundedness-meets-value of a Dell Latitude laptop, and that’s from entry level to business class.

On top of the extremely worthwhile authentication and security options detailed here, Dell also offer fantastic aftersales support in their ProSupport Plus options. This allows you 24/7 access to Dell’s specialists, either on-site or over the phone, so you never need worry about those moments that seem like an emergency.

The best Dell Latitude devices – direct to your door

Whether you’re considering a single device or a fleet, you’ll find the best new, open-box, manufacturer refurbished and ex-demo Dell Latitude laptops in the business at ITC Sales, with guarantees, support and deliveries thrown into the bargain too.