ASUS ExpertBook B5 Review: The Ultimate AI-Driven Business Companion

The ASUS ExpertBook B5 has been touted as the ultimate business companion for forward-thinking professionals. After spending a significant amount of time with this ultralight AI-powered machine, I can confidently say that the ExpertBook B5 truly lives up to its promise. Combining a sophisticated design with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, integrated Intel Arc Graphics, and AI-driven features, this laptop is not just another piece of tech — it’s an experience tailored to enhance productivity, mobility, and efficiency in every aspect of professional life.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Lightweight, and Durable

The first thing that caught my attention about the ASUS ExpertBook B5 was its build quality. Weighing just 1.29 kg, this 14-inch laptop is an engineering marvel crafted from a magnesium-aluminum alloy. The all-metal chassis gives it a premium feel while being incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for professionals who are always on the move. The slim profile, at just 1.89 cm, means it can easily slide into a bag without becoming cumbersome.

The chassis is not only about aesthetics; it’s built to withstand the challenges of daily professional life. ASUS has ensured that the ExpertBook B5 meets MIL-STD-810H US military standards, which means it’s durable enough to handle shock, vibration, and even drops without compromising performance. The robust build reassured me every time I had to rush from one meeting to another, knowing that it could handle the occasional bump or accidental drop.

A Display that Enhances Productivity

The 14-inch display on the ExpertBook B5 is another standout feature. The 16:10 aspect ratio is a boon for productivity, offering more vertical space for reading documents, analyzing spreadsheets, and browsing websites. Compared to the standard 16:9 ratio, I found the additional screen height incredibly helpful, especially when multitasking or working on content-heavy projects. The display offers up to WQXGA resolution (2560 x 1600), making visuals crisp and vivid, which is crucial when preparing presentations or reviewing design assets.

The optional touchscreen panel also adds a level of versatility that modern professionals crave. Whether swiping through pages or making quick annotations, the responsiveness of the touch interface impressed me. Additionally, the display’s brightness, rated at up to 500 nits, ensures visibility in almost any environment. Even when working outdoors or in brightly lit spaces, the screen’s clarity holds up well, although it may struggle in direct sunlight.

Performance: AI-Driven Powerhouse

Performance is at the core of the ExpertBook B5, powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with Intel vPro support. This processor, paired with Intel Arc integrated graphics (enabled with dual-channel memory > 16GB), delivers a powerful, AI-enhanced experience that can easily handle multitasking across demanding business applications.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the ExpertBook B5 is its focus on AI. With Intel’s Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and Microsoft Copilot integrated into Windows 11, the laptop leverages AI for everything from task automation to enhanced productivity. During my use, I found the AI capabilities particularly useful for managing my daily workflow. Microsoft Copilot acted like a personal assistant, offering suggestions for calendar management, document summaries, and even answering simple questions, making my workday more efficient.

The AI enhancements also extend to visuals. The integrated Intel Arc Graphics, coupled with the latest Intel AI Boost, ensure that visual rendering is smooth, whether you’re editing videos or creating visually rich presentations. For a business laptop, these graphics capabilities are more than adequate, providing a seamless experience for both productivity and creativity.

Battery Life: Lasting Power for a Busy Day

Battery life is one of the key features that set the ExpertBook B5 apart from many of its competitors. With a battery that provides up to 18 hours of life, this laptop is designed to keep up with even the longest workdays. During my usage, I was able to get through a full day of work, which included virtual meetings, presentations, and a fair amount of document editing, all on a single charge. This longevity makes it an ideal companion for those who often find themselves moving from one place to another without the luxury of charging.

The laptop also supports USB-C fast charging, which can top up the battery to 60% in just 49 minutes. This feature proved invaluable during my hectic days, where a quick charge break was all I needed to ensure uninterrupted productivity for the rest of the day.

Keyboard, Touchpad, and User Experience

The keyboard on the ExpertBook B5 is another area where ASUS has excelled. The spill-resistant keyboard, with 1.5mm key travel, provides a comfortable typing experience that I greatly appreciated during long typing sessions. The keys are well-spaced and backlit, making it easy to type in low-light environments, such as during late-night flights or dim conference rooms.

ASUS has also integrated the NumberPad 2.0 into the touchpad, which is particularly useful when dealing with numerical data. With a simple tap, the touchpad transforms into an LED-illuminated numeric keypad, streamlining data entry tasks without the need for an additional accessory. The touchpad itself is smooth and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures that simplify navigation.

The ErgoLift hinge deserves special mention. It raises the rear of the laptop slightly when opened, creating a more comfortable typing angle while also improving airflow for better cooling. This small design detail makes a big difference during extended working sessions, enhancing overall comfort and reducing wrist fatigue.

Connectivity and AI-Powered Features for Modern Work Environments

The ASUS ExpertBook B5 excels when it comes to connectivity. It includes two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2, an HDMI 2.1 port, an RJ45 Ethernet jack, and an optional smart card reader and nano SIM slot. These ports allow seamless connections to peripherals, external displays, and networks, which are crucial for modern professionals who require flexibility in their work setup.

Built-in Wi-Fi 6E and optional 4G LTE provide reliable internet connectivity, whether at home, in the office, or on the move. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E means that I could connect to faster and more stable networks, which was essential for video conferencing and large file downloads.

The AI-powered noise cancellation feature significantly improved the quality of my virtual meetings. ASUS has implemented two-way AI noise-canceling technology that filters out background noise, both from my end and the other participants’ end, creating a more natural and professional audio experience. Whether I was in a noisy coffee shop or an open-plan office, this feature made every virtual interaction crystal clear.

The AI camera further enhances the virtual meeting experience by optimizing lighting, ensuring auto-framing, and even including background blur for privacy. This feature made me look well-presented on video calls regardless of the environment, adding a level of professionalism to my online interactions.

Enterprise-Grade Security

When it comes to business laptops, security is paramount, and the ExpertBook B5 does not disappoint. The laptop includes a range of enterprise-grade security features, such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, a smart card reader, an IR camera, and a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. During my usage, these features worked seamlessly to ensure that my data remained secure while also making access fast and convenient.

The smart card reader provides an additional layer of security, particularly useful for organizations that require multi-factor authentication for sensitive information. Meanwhile, the IR camera supports Windows Hello for facial recognition, allowing for quick and secure logins without typing passwords. The fingerprint sensor offers another biometric login option, adding versatility to the ways I could access the device.

A physical webcam shield is a thoughtful feature that enhances privacy by physically covering the webcam when it’s not in use. This small addition goes a long way in providing peace of mind, especially when using the laptop in shared environments.

Storage and Memory

The ExpertBook B5 supports dual SO-DIMM memory slots, allowing up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM. This amount of memory ensures that the laptop can handle even the most demanding multitasking scenarios with ease. During my time with the laptop, I frequently had multiple applications open — including video conferencing software, a web browser with numerous tabs, and a couple of productivity tools — without experiencing any lag.

Storage-wise, the laptop comes with dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slots, supporting up to 2TB of storage. The use of PCIe 4.0 technology means faster read and write speeds, which translated into quicker boot times and fast access to files. The ample storage ensures that I could keep all my project files, presentations, and other documents locally without worrying about running out of space.

Sustainability: A Step Towards a Greener Future

ASUS has made a notable effort to incorporate sustainability into the ExpertBook B5. The device is built with energy efficiency in mind, and ASUS has adopted environmentally friendly practices in its production and packaging. It’s encouraging to see a major tech company taking steps towards reducing carbon footprints, which adds to the appeal of choosing the ExpertBook B5 as a business laptop.

The device also complies with the latest industry sustainability standards, including EPEAT Gold and Energy Star 8.0, affirming its minimal environmental impact. While these certifications might not directly affect daily usage, they certainly contribute to a more responsible purchase decision.

Software and Utilities: ASUS AI Tools and Windows Integration

Running on Windows 11 Pro, the ASUS ExpertBook B5 comes ready to tackle professional environments. The integration of Microsoft Copilot with Windows further boosts productivity by providing a virtual assistant capable of managing simple tasks, optimizing workflows, and even answering questions. It’s like having an extra pair of hands to help manage the daily grind, making this laptop a real asset for multitaskers.

ASUS has also included a suite of software tools aimed at enhancing manageability and productivity. ASUS Endpoint Management Service (AEMS) and ASUS Pre-Deployment Service (APDS) are particularly useful for IT departments looking to manage multiple devices within a corporate environment. These tools allow for efficient deployment, updates, and maintenance, making the ExpertBook B5 a solid choice for enterprises.

Price

The ASUS ExpertBook B5 series, powered by Ultra 5 processors, is competitively priced with a starting cost of approximately INR 1,10,200 + taxes. This base pricing offers a robust foundation for professionals seeking a blend of performance and portability. However, the final cost may vary based on additional features and customizations tailored to meet individual business or personal needs.

Verdict: A Business Laptop Built for the Future

After extensively using the ASUS ExpertBook B5, I believe it is one of the most well-rounded business laptops available today. It’s designed for professionals who need reliability, power, and cutting-edge technology to get the job done. The ultralight design and military-grade durability make it perfect for mobile professionals, while the AI-powered features ensure that productivity is always at its peak.

The combination of the Intel Core Ultra processor, integrated Intel Arc Graphics, and AI-enhanced capabilities makes this laptop a standout performer. From running complex business applications to handling day-to-day tasks with ease, the ExpertBook B5 does it all while maintaining remarkable battery life. The AI-powered features, such as noise cancellation and intelligent video conferencing tools, genuinely enhance the user experience, making it easier to stay professional and productive from anywhere.

Although the display could benefit from even higher brightness levels for better outdoor visibility, and the all-metal chassis can pick up fingerprints easily, these are minor issues that are far outweighed by the laptop’s many strengths.

In conclusion, the ASUS ExpertBook B5 is an exceptional business laptop that integrates the latest AI technology, robust security features, and powerful hardware into an ultralight form factor. If you’re a professional looking for a laptop that doesn’t just keep up with your pace but enhances it, the ExpertBook B5 is definitely worth considering.