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BGDell Latitude 5290 12.5-inch compact business laptop from the mainstream Latitude 5000 series
The Dell Latitude 5290 is a mainstream business laptop in the smallest size the Latitude 5000 series ever offered, a 12.5-inch format with a reinforced polymer lid. As a refurbished business laptop from ITR Bulgaria, it is a compact work machine for people who carry their laptop every day and value a small footprint.
Benefits
Why the Dell Latitude 5290 makes sense as a refurbished compact business laptop from the mainstream Latitude series
The most compact mainstream Latitude
A 12.5-inch format, the smallest size in the Latitude 5000 family. A small footprint that fits into any bag.
Reinforced polymer lid
An alloy that weighs less than aluminium at the same strength and flexes less than the plastic of the entry class, so the machine holds up to daily carrying.
SO-DIMM memory up to 32 GB
Two SO-DIMM slots with DDR4-2133/2400, depending on the processor, replaceable memory up to 32 GB. A rarity in the compact class, where most thin competitors solder the RAM to the board.
51 Wh battery option with ExpressCharge
With a compatible battery and Dell ExpressCharge mode enabled, the charge can reach about 80% in an hour with the laptop switched off. For a 12.5-inch format, 51 Wh is real capacity, enough for a working day out of the office.
Full-size RJ45 + 2× USB-A
A full-size RJ45 for wired networking without a dongle, plus two USB-A 3.1 ports and HDMI. Practical in client offices still running on cabled networks.
Intel Gen 8 with vPro option
Kaby Lake-R quad-core U-series chips; select configurations ship with the i5-8350U or i7-8650U vPro for remote IT management of a distributed fleet. The model also comes in dual-core 7th-generation variants.
720p webcam with privacy shutter
An HD webcam with a physical privacy shutter, so you close the lens with a finger when you are not on a call. A small mechanism that IT departments value.
TPM 2.0 and optional ControlVault 2
Optional hardware protection for passwords and credentials through Dell ControlVault 2, TPM 2.0 as standard, an optional fingerprint reader separate from the power button and an optional smart card reader.
Around 1.36 kg in the bag
A starting weight of around 1.36 kg and a compact 12.5-inch body, so you carry it between meetings all day without feeling the bag.
Value as a refurbished laptop
As a used business laptop from the mainstream class, the Dell Latitude 5290 gives you a compact Latitude machine at a more affordable price, with room to upgrade RAM and SSD during refurbishment.
Dell Latitude 5290: the most compact 12.5-inch mainstream Latitude with a reinforced polymer lid
Dell organises its business laptops into a clear ladder: Latitude 3000 is entry level, 5000 is the mainstream middle, 7000 is the flagship, and 9000 is ultra-premium. The Dell Latitude 5290 sits at the mainstream level, but in the smallest size the series ever offered: a 12.5-inch format with a reinforced polymer lid. It is a capable work machine with a small footprint, compact enough to disappear into a bag without dropping to the polymer build of the entry models.
Compact 12.5-inch laptops were usually premium territory. The ThinkPad X line and the HP EliteBook Folio sold as small flagships, priced beyond what most companies would spend to equip a whole team. Dell took a different route and put the compact size inside the mainstream 5000 line, so the small machine stayed affordable for people who carry a laptop every day, not only the leadership team. The chassis is magnesium alloy, which weighs less than aluminium at the same strength and flexes far less than the plastic of the entry class, so the machine survives the daily open-and-close of life on the move without creaking after a year in a backpack. The Dell Latitude 5290 also turned out to be the end of this line. The next generation moved the compact mainstream Latitude to a 13.3-inch screen in narrower bezels, which left the 5290 as the last 12.5-inch mainstream Latitude, a machine from a closing class that Dell kept alive when almost no one else built an affordable compact business laptop.
In the series' history this model kept a particular role: the last 12.5-inch representative of Dell's mid-range. The successor Dell Latitude 5300 raised the screen to 13.3 inches in nearly the same body, and the small format quietly left the catalog. Until then, 12.5-inch machines were the favorite tool of certain professions — auditors, inspectors, field salespeople — for whom every centimeter saved in the bag is an argument. The Dell Latitude 5290 is Dell's farewell to that breed: compact to the point of stubbornness, dutiful to the marrow.
Inside is 8th-generation Intel Core (Kaby Lake-R) with integrated UHD Graphics 620, quad-core U-series chips that handle Office, a browser full of tabs, ERP/CRM platforms and video calls comfortably. Some configurations ship with the i5-8350U or i7-8650U vPro, which lets an IT department manage the machine remotely, useful when devices are spread across different sites. Memory is DDR4-2400 across two SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB, and it is replaceable, a rarity in the compact class where most thin competitors solder the RAM to the board. The 51 Wh battery with Dell ExpressCharge returns about 80% in an hour, and for a 12.5-inch format that is real capacity. Along the sides are two USB-A 3.1 ports, HDMI, and, importantly for a business setting, a full-size RJ45 for wired networking without a dongle, plus an optional smart card reader. The 720p webcam comes with a physical privacy shutter.
The compromises are honest and come from the size itself. The 12.5-inch screen gives less working area than a 14-inch panel, so if your day is wide spreadsheets or several windows side by side, a larger screen will serve you better. This generation has no Thunderbolt, which keeps the docking story simple. The factory panel is HD TN; FHD IPS is not listed as an option for the standard Latitude 5290, so it is worth checking which panel a given unit carries. If you want the same series with a bigger screen, the Dell Latitude 5490 is the 14-inch version, more area at the cost of a larger body. For a 13.3-inch mainstream machine with the classic ThinkPad keyboard and TrackPoint, the Lenovo ThinkPad L380 is the logical cross-brand alternative. And if you need touch and a tablet mode, the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is a separate build, a detachable tablet with a 3:2 screen, a different machine for a different scenario.
As a refurbished laptop, the Dell Latitude 5290 has a concrete advantage over most compact rivals: the replaceable SO-DIMM memory and the accessible M.2 slot mean a unit can be taken up to 32 GB of RAM and a larger SSD during refurbishment instead of leaving you with the factory configuration. That is why a used laptop from this series is not just a cheaper device. The refurbished Dell Latitude from the mainstream business class goes through a technical audit, cleaning and configuration, and ships with a real warranty from ITR Bulgaria. For a company equipping travelling staff with a compact machine, this is a business laptop with a small footprint where you know exactly what condition you are getting.
Who it suits
Scenarios where the Dell Latitude 5290 makes the most sense
Mobile staff who prioritise portability
A sales rep or field technician moving in and out of sites all day. The 12.5-inch body and roughly 1.36 kg come out of the bag quickly and do not weigh you down when you are constantly on the move.
Consultants on the road
A consultant working from a different client office every day appreciates the full-size RJ45 when the office is still on a wired network, and the 51 Wh battery that lasts between two meetings without hunting for a socket.
Hybrid work with a compact machine
Someone moving between the office and home several times a week. The small body tucks into a backpack alongside everything else, and the HD/UHD 620 graphics and Gen 7/8 platforms cover documents, email and video calls.
A fleet for travelling specialists
An IT department equipping a team of travelling staff with identical compact machines. The vPro option eases remote management, and the SO-DIMM slots allow RAM to be raised during refurbishment for a longer service life.
Model highlights
Mainstream Latitude 5000
Latitude 5000 is Dell's mainstream middle tier, above the entry 3000 and below the flagship 7000. The Dell Latitude 5290 is the 12.5-inch member, the most compact in the family.
12.5″ 16:9 display
A compact 12.5-inch screen in a 16:9 ratio. The factory panel is HD TN, 1366×768; FHD IPS is not listed as an option for the standard Latitude 5290. On a used unit, check the panel actually fitted.
Intel Core Gen 7/8 with HD/UHD 620
8th-generation Intel Core i5/i7 (Kaby Lake-R), quad-core U-series chips with integrated UHD Graphics 620, or dual-core 7th-generation Core i3/i5 with HD Graphics 620. Enough for the office suite, browser, business platforms and video calls.
SO-DIMM DDR4 up to 32 GB
Per Dell's specification, the two SO-DIMM slots take replaceable DDR4 memory up to 32 GB, running at 2400 MHz with an 8th-generation processor or 2133 MHz with a 7th-generation one. Room to upgrade after purchase, a rarity in the compact class where RAM is usually soldered.
51 Wh battery option with ExpressCharge
One option is a 3-cell 51 Wh battery with Dell ExpressCharge, up to about 80% charge in an hour with the laptop off, a compatible battery and the mode enabled. Large for a 12.5-inch format, with smaller or larger battery options depending on configuration.
Ports without adapters
2× USB-A 3.1, HDMI 1.4, a full-size RJ45 for wired networking, a microSD card reader and an optional smart card reader. No Thunderbolt in this generation, which keeps docking simple.
Business security
Optional Dell ControlVault 2 for hardware-level credential protection, TPM 2.0 as standard, an optional fingerprint reader separate from the power button, an optional smart card reader and a Noble Wedge slot.
A logical refurbished choice
Replaceable memory and an accessible M.2 slot make the Dell Latitude 5290 easy to upgrade during refurbishment. As a used laptop that has passed a technical audit, it ships with a real warranty from ITR Bulgaria.
Refurbished by ITR Bulgaria: what value do you get?
Buying a refurbished business-class laptop makes the most sense when the device has gone through a standardised internal refurbishment process and comes with a real warranty. This is how used laptops become refurbished laptops that can be a practical, dependable and professional alternative to new budget machines, or a far more sensible purchase than new premium equivalents.
- ✓ Technical audit and cosmetic assessment of the device against an internal standard
- ✓ Refurbishment, cleaning, quality improvement and configuration to a standard for repeat business use
- ✓ Use of original software and a configuration prepared for the specific model
- ✓ Packaging, a real warranty and model support from ITR Bulgaria
Ready to browse the available units?
The Dell Latitude 5290 is a refurbished compact business laptop from the mainstream Latitude 5000 series, tested and prepared for business use. Browse the current stock or contact us for assistance.
Additional information
Where this model fits in the series ▼
The Dell Latitude 5290 belongs to the Latitude 5000 series, Dell's mainstream business line. In the Latitude hierarchy, the 5000 series sits above the 3000 (entry business) and below the 7000 (flagship business). It is the middle of the range: a serious business build and management features, without the premium price of the 7000 line.
Within the 5000 family itself, the Dell Latitude 5290 is the 12.5-inch, most compact member. Its larger siblings from the same generation are the 14-inch Dell Latitude 5490 and the 15.6-inch Dell Latitude 5590, the same platform and logic with more screen area and a larger body.
The generation also includes the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1, a separate detachable build with a 3:2 screen, a kickstand and support for an optional active pen. That is a different form factor for users who want a tablet mode rather than a standard laptop.
Dell Latitude 5290 is not ideal if… ▼
- You spend the day in wide spreadsheets or several windows side by side. The 12.5-inch screen is tight for that. The Dell Latitude 5490 (14-inch) or Dell Latitude 5590 (15.6-inch) from the same series give more area.
- You need Thunderbolt: the Latitude 5290 does not support it. Single-cable docking with more than one monitor is still possible through a compatible USB-C docking station such as the Dell WD15; the right combination depends on the monitors and resolutions. For higher requirements, compare specific Latitude configurations with Thunderbolt.
- You want a touchscreen, 360-degree hinges or a tablet mode. The Dell Latitude 5290 is a standard laptop without touch. For a touchscreen and a tablet mode there is the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 (a detachable build).
- You rely on discrete graphics for video editing or 3D. The integrated HD/UHD 620 is for office work. For graphics work, look at the Dell Precision series.
- You need an FHD IPS display (the standard Latitude 5290 is documented with an HD TN panel) or a guaranteed specific CPU, RAM or SSD. Configurations vary, so it is important to check the specific unit before purchase.
Choosing the right size and form factor ▼
12.5-inch class (Dell Latitude 5290): the smallest mainstream Latitude. Suited to cases where portability is the priority, such as frequent travel, field work and a small bag. Trade-off: less screen area.
14-inch class (Dell Latitude 5490): the balanced size from the same series, more working space with a moderately larger body. A logical choice when the screen matters more than minimal bulk.
15.6-inch class (Dell Latitude 5590): the most screen area for spreadsheet work and a multi-window setup. Heavier, better suited to work mostly at a desk or infrequent carrying.
Construction: the Dell Latitude 5290 is a standard laptop (no 360-degree hinges). If you need touch, a tablet mode or a pen, the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is a separate detachable build with a 3:2 screen for that scenario.
Alternative models ▼
Within Dell:
Dell Latitude 5490 is the 14-inch version from the same generation and series. A larger screen and body at the cost of compactness. A logical choice if you work more at a desk or with wider spreadsheets; the Dell Latitude 5290 wins when portability comes first.
Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is a tablet with a detachable keyboard, a 3:2 screen, a built-in kickstand and support for an optional active pen. A different build for users who want a tablet and touch; it is not a direct alternative to the standard laptop, but a different use case.
Cross-brand alternative (compact mainstream business class):
Lenovo ThinkPad L380 is a 13.3-inch mainstream Lenovo ThinkPad with the classic Lenovo ThinkPad keyboard and TrackPoint. A slightly larger screen than 12.5 inches and a different ecosystem. A logical alternative if you value the Lenovo ThinkPad keyboard and TrackPoint navigation in the mid-range business class.
Note: do not compare the Dell Latitude 5290 with the flagship Dell Latitude 7000 series. It is a higher class with a premium build and a different price as a refurbished laptop.
Refurbished by ITR Bulgaria: what value do you get? ▼
With the Dell Latitude 5290, refurbishment by ITR Bulgaria has a concrete practical logic. The replaceable SO-DIMM memory and the accessible M.2 SSD slot mean a machine can be taken up to 32 GB of RAM and a larger SSD during refurbishment, rather than being stuck with the factory configuration, something that is not possible on compact rivals with soldered memory.
After refurbishment, the used laptop is prepared for repeat business use: a technical audit, cleaning, configuration, original software and packaging with a real warranty. For a company equipping travelling staff with compact machines, this is the difference between an unchecked used device and a refurbished business laptop with real support from ITR Bulgaria.
Frequently asked questions ▼
Is the Dell Latitude 5290 a good choice as a used laptop?
Yes, when portability is the priority. The Dell Latitude 5290 is a mainstream business laptop from the established Latitude series in a compact 12.5-inch format. As a refurbished laptop, it gives access to Dell's business build and management features at a more affordable price, and the replaceable memory lets you raise the RAM during refurbishment.
What is the difference between the Dell Latitude 5290 and Dell Latitude 5490?
Mainly the size. The Dell Latitude 5290 is the 12.5-inch compact version, and the Dell Latitude 5490 is the 14-inch one, from the same generation and series. The Dell Latitude 5290 is lighter and easier to carry; the Dell Latitude 5490 gives more screen area for spreadsheets and several windows. The platform and business logic are the same.
Does the Dell Latitude 5290 have a touchscreen or a tablet mode?
The standard Dell Latitude 5290 is a regular laptop without touch and without 360-degree hinges. If you need touch and a tablet mode, that is the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1, a separate detachable build with a 3:2 screen and support for an optional active pen.
What configurations does the Dell Latitude 5290 come in?
The model comes with quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5/i7 or dual-core 7th-generation Core i3-7130U/i5-7300U (some i5/i7 with vPro), RAM from 8 to 32 GB across two SO-DIMM slots, and an M.2 SSD of varying capacity. The factory display is HD TN, and a fingerprint reader and smart card reader are options. It is important to check the specific configuration.