Dell Latitude 5491 review

Where the Latitude 5491 stands

The Dell Latitude 5491 is a 2018 business laptop positioned in the ultra-budget tier at roughly $278, slightly below the category median of $297. As the premium successor to the 5490, it pairs a meaningful GPU surplus with a notably large battery. The GPU score of 12.1 is more than three 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 5491's distinguishing feature is its combination of graphics headroom and battery capacity. The GPU score of 12.1 places it well above typical office-class laptops, enough for casual gaming at moderate settings and GPU-accelerated productivity work. 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 5491 a credible portable business laptop with light gaming capability.

The balanced overall profile

Unlike some siblings that pair the dual surplus with a binding weakness, the 5491 offers a balanced overall package. No axis is flagged as a serious weak spot. The trade-off is simply age — seven years of service limits the remaining lifespan, but the price reflects this.

Price trajectory

From its launch price to $278 today, the 5491 has depreciated to near the category median. As a 2018 machine, the depreciation is essentially complete. The projected price two years out represents a slow drift toward the price floor.

How it compares

In the $260-$295 refurbished business range, the 5491 sits among several 2018-2019 alternatives. The Dell Latitude 5591 at $357 and the Dell Latitude 5500 at $248 are direct competitors. The 5491's distinguishing factor is its combination of GPU and battery surplus — a pairing that few alternatives in this band match at this price.

Bottom line

The Latitude 5491 is a 2018 business laptop that combines a meaningful GPU surplus with a large battery. Its dual strengths make it a credible portable business laptop with light gaming capability. At $278, it is priced near the category median and offers more combined value than typical alternatives. For buyers who need both graphics headroom and all-day runtime at a budget price, it earns its asking price.