These aren’t laptops that you or I can just buy off the shelf or a website. These are machines only businesses can buy, and that too presumably in bulk — which is a real shame because every ExpertBook I’ve reviewed has been an excellent all-round computer for general use.
Sure, the laptops are purpose-built for productivity, but isn’t it all about productivity these days? That’s literally the motto of artificial intelligence.
Anyhow, the latest entry in ASUS B series is the the ExpertBook B5 [B5404CMA] and if my time with this laptop has taught me anything, it’s that form can complement function. The laptop looks stealthily good and has enough horse power to get the job done and then some.
Also read: ASUS ROG Ally X Review: My favourite portable gaming PC
Specifications and pricing
The ExpertBook B5 runs on the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U processor with built-in Intel Arc Graphics. It includes 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD. The 14-inch touchscreen display provides a 1,920×1,080 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 300 nits. These features suit many business tasks. The laptop weighs 1.29 kg and measures 31.37 x 22.68 x 1.89 cm. Its portable design allows a battery life lasting over seven hours with moderate use.
Starting at ₹110,200 plus taxes, businesses will be able to customise the laptop to meet specific needs, for a price, of course.
What’s in the box?
Opening the ExpertBook B5 package delivers a nice experience. Inside, you’ll find a 65W USB Type-C power adapter, the ASUS Pen 2.0, tools for the smart card reader and instruction manuals. However, the lack of a sleeve or backpack stands out, especially since ASUS often includes these with its premium Zenbook models.
Design and build quality
The ExpertBook B5 design focuses on function but lacks the modern flair expected in 2024. The Star Black colour shines lightly, but the overall look is plain and resembles older ASUS models. Aluminium and magnesium alloys in the all-metal construction give a strong feel. It passed durability tests, getting MIL-STD-810H certification. This laptop endures daily use well.
Connectivity
The ExpertBook B5 has many input/output (I/O) ports. It includes an RJ45 port for ethernet, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a full-sized HDMI port and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. These options suit professionals needing multiple connections at once.
Keyboard and trackpad
The laptop has a 75% keyboard layout with single-level backlighting. It offers a comfortable typing experience. The 1.5mm key travel gives responsive feedback, though some may find the keys too springy. The trackpad matches the size of MacBook Air’s, providing smooth operation. It supports Windows’ multi-finger gestures very well. It, however, has the one thing no other laptop has — the keyboard doubles as a numpad at just a tap. It has always been and continues to be my favourite feature in an ASUS laptop.
Display performance
The display quality could be better for its price. The 14-inch IPS LCD panel, while usable, lacks brightness and colour accuracy. Its anti-glare coating helps indoors but struggles outdoors due to limited brightness. Users wanting a great display may find it lacking, especially next to other ASUS models with OLED screens.
Audio and camera quality
The ExpertBook B5 includes a full HD webcam, a welcome upgrade from the common 720p cameras. AI features, like motion tracking and background blurring, work fairly well, although they may affect image quality. The microphone performs adequately, aided by AI improvements, but the bottom-firing speakers lack loudness and bass.
Performance and thermal management
The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor lets the ExpertBook B5 manage daily tasks easily. Expect smooth performance with many apps open. While not designed for gaming, it handles light games, achieving over 100fps in Valorant with optimal settings. Heat management works efficiently, keeping temperatures stable during long use.
Battery life and charging
Battery life is a key strength of the ExpertBook B5. It lasts over seven hours with moderate usage, covering a full workday easily. The 65W power adapter charges quickly, taking about 100 minutes to go from 5% to fully charged.
Software features
The laptop arrives with Windows 11 Pro, offering enterprise-grade features like BitLocker encryption. ASUS adds several apps for business, including MyASUS for system checks and ASUS Business Manager for extra security. The laptop also comes with the usual AI bells and whistles baked into Windows 11.
In conclusion
The ASUS ExpertBook B5 excels in build quality, battery life and daily performance. Its display and design may not impress everyone, but businesses looking for a reliable laptop find a solid choice in the ExpertBook B5, especially at a good price. It may not be the most exciting laptop, but it effectively serves professional needs.
Also read: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 Review: A powerful, portable and light gaming laptop
