Dell Latitude 5500 review

Where the Latitude 5500 stands

The Dell Latitude 5500 is a 2018 business laptop positioned in the ultra-budget tier at roughly $248, below the category median of $297. As the mainstream 15-inch Latitude from that year, it pairs a meaningful GPU surplus with a notably large battery — a combination that defines its position in the category. The GPU score of 22.2 is nearly six times the category median of 3.8; the 68 Wh battery is 51% above the median of 45 Wh.

Graphics and battery: a dual surplus

The 5500's distinguishing feature is its combination of graphics headroom and battery capacity. The GPU score of 22.2 places it in the "light gaming" tier — well above typical office-class laptops and into the territory of capable casual gaming machines. The 68 Wh battery, meanwhile, is 51% above the category median — a meaningful advantage for sustained work sessions away from an outlet. Together, these make the 5500 a credible portable workstation for buyers who want both capability and runtime.

Mobility: the residual trade-off

Despite the large battery, the 5500's mobility index of 39 remains 35% below the category median of 60. The constraint is weight, not runtime — the 15-inch chassis is heavy for extended carry, even if the battery can power it through a full workday. Buyers who plan to transport the laptop regularly will feel the trade-off; buyers who work from a fixed location will not.

Price trajectory

From its launch price to $248 today, the 5500 has depreciated to the flat tail of its curve. The projected price two years out represents a modest further decline. As a 2018 machine, the depreciation is essentially complete.

How it compares

In the $240-$280 refurbished business range, the 5500 sits among several 2018-2019 alternatives. The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 at $256 and the HP EliteBook 850 G6 at $259 are direct competitors from the same era. The 5500's distinguishing factor is its dual surplus — GPU and battery — a pairing that few alternatives in this band match at this price.

Bottom line

The Latitude 5500 is a 2018 business laptop that combines a meaningful GPU surplus with a large battery. Its dual strengths make it a credible portable workstation for buyers who need both capability and runtime. At $248, it is priced below the category median and offers more combined value than typical alternatives. The trade-off is weight — this is a desk-first machine that happens to have all-day battery life. For the right workflow, it earns its asking price.