On a used laptop, the storage type matters more than the processor: an older Core i5 with a solid-state drive (SSD) will boot and open apps far faster than a newer machine on a mechanical hard drive (HDD) — and you can get a business laptop listed with a 256GB SSD from AED 749, the Dell Latitude 5570.
If you have ever used an old laptop that takes two minutes to start and freezes when you open a browser, the culprit was very probably a mechanical hard drive, not the processor. Hard drives read data from a spinning disk with a moving arm. SSDs have no moving parts and read data many times faster.
This is the single most important thing to check on any used laptop, from any seller.
Why an SSD changes how a laptop feels
- Start-up and wake. The difference between a laptop that is ready in seconds and one you wait for.
- Opening apps and files. Office, browsers and accounting software all load from storage. This is where most everyday waiting happens.
- Updates and searches. Windows updates and file searches are storage-heavy and are dramatically slower on a hard drive.
- Durability. No spinning disk means nothing mechanical to damage when a laptop is moved, bumped or carried in a bag.
This is why a 6th- or 8th-generation business laptop with an SSD can still feel quick for office work, while a newer budget laptop with a hard drive feels slow.
How to check what storage a listing has
On our product pages, look at the storage line in the specifications. For example, the Dell Latitude 5570 and the Dell Latitude 5400 Core i5 list a 256GB SSD, and the MacBook Pro 16-inch A2141 is listed with a 512GB SSD.
If a listing — ours or anyone’s — does not clearly say SSD, ask before you pay. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 56 377 7421 and we will confirm the storage in the specific unit. On a marketplace, a seller who cannot answer that question clearly is telling you something.
How much SSD space you need is a separate question, covered in our guide to 256GB vs 512GB vs 1TB storage.
In stock now, with live prices
| Laptop | Processor | Live price | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell Latitude 5570 | Core i5 6th Gen | from AED 749 | Listed with 256GB SSD |
| Dell Latitude 5400 | Core i5 8th Gen | from AED 899 | Listed with 256GB SSD |
| Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch A2141 | Core i7, Radeon Pro 5300M 4GB, 16GB, 512GB SSD | AED 1,649 | Listed with 512GB SSD |
The short version: check for SSD before you check anything else. A Dell Latitude 5570 listed with a 256GB SSD at AED 749 will feel quicker in daily use than many newer laptops on a hard drive.
The honest limits, before you buy
We would rather you read this now than discover it later.
- The battery and the charger are not covered by the warranty. The 12-month NewAsNew Assured warranty covers hardware defects. Batteries are consumable parts and we do not pretend otherwise. Every unit is listed with measured battery health of 80% or more.
- We are online-only. There is no showroom to visit and no counter to walk into. That is how our prices stay where they are.
- Prepaid only, no secure online payment. Every order is paid before it ships.
- These are certified pre-owned machines, not new ones. Each passes a 50-point inspection (what we check) and ships with an original-brand charger, but cosmetic condition is Grade A, not factory-sealed.
- 14 days to change your mind. Unused, undamaged and complete, with free pickup — the conditions are on the returns page.
- Memory and storage vary between units. Our catalogue lists the processor; the exact build is on each product page. Ask us if it matters to you.
Browse and read on
- Laptops under AED 1,000
- Core i5 laptops
- Our 50-point quality check — what we test before anything is listed
- The NewAsNew Assured warranty — 12 months on hardware defects, battery and charger excluded
- Returns — 14 days, free pickup
- Shipping — free across the UAE, next working day to Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
- How it works and about us
Frequently asked questions
Is an SSD really faster than a hard drive?
Yes, many times faster for the reading and writing a laptop does all day. It is the biggest single factor in how quickly a laptop starts and opens programs.
Is 256GB of SSD enough?
For office work, study and browsing with files kept in the cloud, usually yes. For large photo or video libraries, consider more space or external storage. Our storage size guide goes through it.
Do all your laptops have SSDs?
Check the storage line on each product page. If it does not clearly say SSD, ask us on WhatsApp before you order and we will confirm the specific unit — we would rather answer than have you guess.
Can I upgrade the SSD later?
On most business laptops the SSD can be replaced with a larger one, but it varies by model. Ask us about the specific laptop first. Upgrades you make yourself are not covered by our warranty.
What does the warranty cover on storage?
The 12-month NewAsNew Assured warranty covers hardware defects, including a storage drive that fails in normal use. The battery and charger are excluded. See the warranty page.
Ask us before you buy
Not sure which one fits? Send us what you need to run on WhatsApp +971 56 377 7421 and we will tell you honestly — including if the answer is that you should not buy from us.
Browse all certified pre-owned laptops · Business and bulk enquiries
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