Dell Precision 16 5690 Model 18
£2,275
Buy on Amazon · £2,275About this laptop
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Dell Precision 5690 Review
Build Quality and Design
The Dell Precision 5690 is crafted with an aluminum lid and a plastic bottom, providing a solid build that exhibits minimal flex. It measures 0.87 inches thick and weighs approximately 4.46 pounds, making it relatively portable for a 16-inch workstation. The design is functional rather than flashy, lacking the aesthetic appeal of Dell's XPS line, but it fits well in professional environments [1] PCMag Dell Precision 5690 Review Eric Grevstad pickr.com.au Dell Precision 5690 review – Pickr Leigh :) Stark
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard is backlit and offers a pleasant typing experience, though it features half-height arrow keys that some users may find awkward. There is no numeric keypad, and Page Up/Page Down require the Fn key, which may be inconvenient for some. The large touchpad is buttonless and utilizes haptic feedback, which some users may prefer, but it lacks a dedicated middle mouse button, potentially complicating tasks in CAD applications [3] PCMag Dell Precision 5690 Review Eric Grevstad StorageReview.com Dell Precision 5690 Review
Display
The Precision 5690 offers a stunning 4K OLED touchscreen option, praised for its vibrant colors and sharp details. The base model features a 1920x1200 IPS display, which some reviewers found underwhelming for a workstation. Both displays are rated for 400 nits brightness, which is satisfactory but not as high as some competitors. The OLED panel is particularly recommended for color-sensitive work due to its excellent color coverage [5] PCMag Dell Precision 5690 Review Eric Grevstad pickr.com.au Dell Precision 5690 review – Pickr Leigh :) Stark
Performance
Equipped with Intel's Core Ultra processors and Nvidia's RTX 5000 Ada graphics, the Precision 5690 excels in demanding applications, including 3D modeling and data analysis. While it performs admirably in benchmarks, it doesn't quite match the performance of some competitors, such as the Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Max. The laptop is capable of handling heavy workloads, but users should be aware that the fans can become quite audible under load [7] PCMag Dell Precision 5690 Review Eric Grevstad StorageReview.com Dell Precision 5690 Review
Battery Life
The Precision 5690 features a 100Whr battery, offering decent battery life for a workstation. Users reported around 4 to 7 hours of regular use, but resource-intensive tasks can significantly reduce this to about 3 hours. The laptop's power supply is substantial, rated at 165W, which is necessary given the hardware's demands [9] PCMag Dell Precision 5690 Review Eric Grevstad pickr.com.au Dell Precision 5690 review – Pickr Leigh :) Stark
Ports and Connectivity
The laptop includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and a USB-C 3.2 port, but notably lacks USB-A ports, which may be a drawback for some users. A USB-C to USB-A dongle is included, but the absence of legacy ports could be inconvenient. Wireless connectivity is robust, featuring Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 [11] PCMag Dell Precision 5690 Review Eric Grevstad StorageReview.com Dell Precision 5690 Review
Speakers and Webcam
The Precision 5690 is equipped with quad speakers that deliver clear audio, though some users noted a tendency for echo at high volumes. The 1080p webcam performs adequately but lacks a privacy shutter, which may be a concern for privacy-conscious users. It does support features like auto framing and background blur [13] PCMag Dell Precision 5690 Review Eric Grevstad pickr.com.au Dell Precision 5690 review – Pickr Leigh :) Stark
Value
Starting at a hefty price point, the Precision 5690 raises questions about its value, especially when compared to other models with similar specifications. While it offers impressive performance and build quality, some reviewers felt that the pricing is excessive for what is offered, particularly when alternatives exist at lower price points [15] pickr.com.au Dell Precision 5690 review – Pickr Leigh :) Stark
Conclusion
The Dell Precision 5690 is a powerful mobile workstation that excels in performance and display quality, making it suitable for demanding professional applications. However, its high price, lack of USB-A ports, and some design choices may deter potential buyers. For those who require a capable workstation on the go, it remains a strong contender, but careful consideration of its value proposition is advised [16] pickr.com.au Dell Precision 5690 review – Pickr Leigh :) Stark