Dell Latitude 7290 i7 8650U 1.9GHz 8GB 256GB SSD 12.5" HD W11P | 1yr Wty

The Certified Refurbished Dell Latitude 7290 is a compact 12.5-inch business ultrabook powered by an 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8650U quad-core processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB M.2 SATA SSD running Windows 11 Pro. At just 1.19 kg, it's one of the lightest i7 laptops available in this price range, which means you can carry it all day without fatigue. The i7-8650U is a 15W processor with a turbo boost to 4.2GHz—because of this, it handles office multitasking, video calls, and web-heavy workloads without sluggishness, despite a modest 8GB RAM configuration. Tested by our technicians in early 2026, this 2018-era business machine remains capable for everyday computing tasks.

Ideal For

This laptop suits professionals and remote workers who need a reliable travel companion—think consultants moving between client sites with Microsoft Teams running, documents open, and a hotspot connection. It's also well suited to university students managing research across 10–15 browser tabs, Zoom lectures, and Microsoft Office simultaneously. If you primarily work from a desk and want a secondary portable machine for light tasks, the 7290's combination of processing power and compact footprint makes it a practical choice.

It's not recommended for video editors or developers running virtual machines, as the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 and single-channel 8GB RAM create bottlenecks under those workloads.

Key Features & Benefits

• Intel Core i7-8650U (8th Gen, 4-core, up to 4.2GHz): Performs comparably to an Intel 8th-gen Core i5-8350U but with higher sustained clock speeds, which means smoother performance during longer work sessions with complex spreadsheets or multiple video streams.
• 256GB M.2 SATA SSD: Windows loads in around 15–20 seconds versus 60+ seconds on a traditional hard drive, eliminating the most common bottleneck in older refurbished laptops.
• Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C): Supports external 4K displays, high-speed storage, and single-cable docking—increasingly rare on 12-inch class laptops, making this machine unusually versatile for its size.
• 12.5" Anti-Glare HD Display: The TN panel's anti-reflective coating reduces eye strain in bright offices or near windows. Resolution is 1366×768—sufficient for documents and communication tools, though not ideal for those accustomed to Full HD screens.
• Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8265 + Bluetooth 4.2: Solid 802.11ac Wi-Fi with reliable range, which means stable video calls even without a wired connection.
• HD Webcam with Microphone: Built-in and functional for Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet without needing an external camera.
• Magnesium Alloy Chassis: Business-grade construction that withstands daily bag handling better than consumer-grade plastic alternatives.

Common Questions

Can it handle video calls while multitasking?

Yes, comfortably. In our testing, the i7-8650U handles Microsoft Teams or Zoom video calls alongside open documents and a handful of browser tabs without noticeable slowdown. The integrated camera and microphone work reliably out of the box. Where you'll feel the 8GB RAM ceiling is if you add memory-heavy applications like Slack, Spotify, and multiple browser sessions all running simultaneously.

How does this compare to current budget laptops?

A new $400–$500 laptop today typically ships with a Celeron or Pentium processor and eMMC storage—meaningfully slower than this i7-8650U and M.2 SSD combination. The 7290's corporate-grade build quality and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity are features you won't find at this price point on new consumer hardware. The trade-off is the 1366×768 display, which lags behind Full HD screens now standard even on budget new laptops.

Is Windows 11 Pro a good fit for this hardware?

The 7290 meets Windows 11's TPM 2.0 requirements, which is why we ship it with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed. Performance is stable in our experience. Users coming from Windows 10 will notice the repositioned Start menu and updated settings interface, but the transition is straightforward for most workflows.

Technical Specifications

At a Glance

• Type: 12.5-inch business ultrabook
• Performance: Intel Core i7-8650U (4-core, 1.9GHz base / 4.2GHz boost) + 8GB DDR4 2400MHz
• Storage: 256GB M.2 SATA SSD — fast boot times, no moving parts
• Display: 12.5" HD 1366×768 anti-glare TN, non-touch
• Graphics: Intel UHD 620 (integrated) — handles 1080p video, not suited to modern gaming
• Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3, 2× USB 3.1 Type-A, HDMI 1.4, Ethernet, MicroSD reader
• Wireless: Intel AC 8265 (802.11ac) + Bluetooth 4.2
• Camera: HD webcam with microphone
• OS: Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
• Weight: 1.19 kg
• Best for: Business travel, remote work, document-heavy workflows, video conferencing
• Not recommended for: Video editing, gaming, running multiple virtual machines

Performance & Real-World Use

In our testing of this configuration, the i7-8650U handles sustained office workloads cleanly—Word, Excel, Chrome with 12 tabs, and a video call running together sit around 60–70% CPU utilisation with headroom to spare. The 256GB SATA SSD, while not the fastest NVMe class, still delivers boot times well under 25 seconds and snappy application launches. The 1366×768 display is the most notable limitation for users who work with split-screen layouts, as the lower resolution constrains how much content fits side by side.

We routinely see this model as one of the more practical sub-13-inch business laptops because the Thunderbolt 3 port opens up single-cable docking at a desk, while the 1.19 kg body makes it genuinely portable between locations.

Operating System

This unit ships with Windows 11 Pro 64-bit. Windows 11 receives ongoing security updates, with Microsoft's current long-term support extending through 2031 for Pro editions. The 7290 includes a TPM 2.0 chip, which is why it qualifies for Windows 11—many 8th-gen business laptops do not.

Cosmetic Condition Guide

Reboot IT grades all laptops across three tiers based on cosmetic condition. Excellent (Grade A) units show only very minor scuffing, zero dead pixels, and even backlight distribution—ideal for client-facing professionals. Good (Grade B) units may show visible scratches and scuffing, 1–3 dead pixels, and small paint chips, but are fully functional—suited to home office and everyday use. Fair (Grade C) units display heavier cosmetic wear including multiple dents and possible screen scratches up to 5cm, but pass all functional testing—a practical choice for desktop replacement or budget-priority buyers. All three grades carry a 12-month warranty. See our full grading guide for detail on screen, body, keyboard, and battery standards by condition.

Verified Reboot Refurb Quality Assurance

Every Dell Latitude 7290 sold by Reboot IT passes our comprehensive refurbishment process before dispatch. Our technicians perform a full secure data wipe, replace any worn or faulty components with original parts, then run specialised diagnostic software across the processor, memory, storage, display, ports, keyboard, trackpad, webcam, and wireless connectivity. Units undergo stress testing under load to confirm thermal performance and stability. The device is professionally cleaned and cosmetically graded only after all functional testing is complete.

Warranty & Support

12-month warranty provided by Reboot IT for your complete peace of mind. Reboot IT has been Australia's trusted source for refurbished IT equipment since 2001.

This configuration suits professionals and remote workers who need reliable i7 performance in an ultraportable form factor, backed by Reboot IT's 1-year warranty and 20+ years of refurbishment expertise.