Dell Precision 5480 Review

Dell Precision series specifically the 5480 is the previous generation to the 5490 that dell is still offering on their website currently. The unit being we have is the 5480 with the Intel Core i7 13800h 32gb of ddr5 ram, Nvidia RTX 1000 6GB Model. The launch price was around $1999USD when converated to canadian it was close to $3000CAD for the base model. But the mid to higher teir can vary from $3000 to $4000+USD over $4000 to $5000CAD.

Given this is a steep price to swallow and that most laptops of these types are typically sold to corporation clients at bulk discount prices. Its safe to say that if you can track down a unit for a fraction of the price given the used and resale market from corporate leases or direct from companies.

What makes the Dell Precision lineup, along with other business models like the ThinkPad, stand out? Typically, these laptops undergo more rigorous validation compared to consumer models. They are also more user-serviceable, particularly for SSD replacements, and some models allow for RAM upgrades as well.

As of this year, the Precision 5400 series has been discontinued in favor of newer professional series models. But is it still a good purchase? The short answer is yes—it’s absolutely worth considering, as you can find units for over 70% off the original price, depending on the seller. Additionally, many units come with extended warranties, as companies often cover them for leased or owned devices.

Since this model has been extensively reviewed and benchmarked, I can confidently say that it remains a solid choice. Its dedicated GPU provides a significant advantage for professional applications and workloads such as Adobe software, programming, IoT, and SaaS.

Real-World Testing

I tested this unit for a few weeks in both university and professional environments, including photography and graphic design. It performed well in these workloads. Compared to consumer models, validated hardware makes a difference, even though this unit lacks ECC RAM (which isn't a dealbreaker). For beginners in these fields, having a reliable, professional-grade laptop is far more valuable than opting for a standard consumer model.

Keyboard

Keyboard complaints from other reviewers. Is this still an issue from the previous reviews? Yes and No

• Yes: Excel with the smaller up and down arrow causes issues when moving cells or if scrolling isn't possible due to trackback gestures and such being disabled.
• No: Most companies typically tend to use it with a docking station which typically results in the keyboard on the laptop rarely being used commercial laptops typically aren't used for those who are sitting long term at the desk or in the meeting room.

Screen

The screen which also has a built-in web camera with support for Windows Hello facial login works as intended, With commercial units from Dell vs consumer products it also tends to be tested and validated for Linux in this case specifically Ubuntu.

This screen max resolution supports 1920x1200 with full-colour accuracy, which is good and convenient for what is typically used for customers in a business setting.

Is the Extended Warranty Worth It?

Yes, the extended warranty is worth it. It includes global warranty repairs, coverage in the country of purchase, and faster turnaround times compared to depot repairs—unless specific parts, such as screws, need to be ordered.

That said, experiences with Dell’s onsite repair service can vary, as it depends on the third-party contractor assigned to the job.

For my unit, the total repair turnaround was about one week, covering accidental damage and standard warranty replacements.

Repairs and Replacements

Here’s what had to be replaced on my unit:

• Screen (x2) – One replacement due to accidental damage, and another due to a missing component.
• Keyboard
• Bottom Case
• Logic Board – Replaced because of a missing secure locking lever.

Each repair took about two hours and was completed efficiently. Compared to consumer warranty repairs, the faster turnaround time for Precision models makes the extended warranty a worthwhile investment. Parts for business laptops are also more readily available than those for consumer-grade models.

Final Verdict

Would I recommend this unit? Absolutely. Even though it’s discontinued, it remains an excellent choice compared to consumer-grade laptops—especially if you prioritize battery life and validated hardware. Additionally, many universities and colleges use Dell's validated hardware in their IT departments, which adds another layer of reliability.

If you’re looking for a durable, professional-grade laptop at a steep discount, the Precision 5480 is still a solid buy.