ASUS’s ExpertBook B5 (model B5605) promises to elevate the executive laptop experience with Intel’s latest Arrow Lake processors and a high-refresh-rate display. But according to a comprehensive review, this sleek business machine delivers mixed results—excelling in some areas while stumbling in critical build and usability aspects.
The Bright Spot: Display and Performance
The standout feature of the ExpertBook B5 is its 16-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) display, praised for its smooth 144 Hz refresh rate and matte anti-glare coating. Reviewers noted its suitability for multitasking and presentations, with ample screen real estate and reduced eye strain during long meetings. Under the hood, Intel’s new Arrow Lake CPUs (up to Core Ultra 7) deliver robust productivity performance, breezing through office tasks and light creative workloads. Battery life also impressed, clocking up to 12 hours under moderate use—a win for frequent travelers.
The Cracks in the Foundation
Despite these strengths, the review highlights troubling quality issues. The laptop’s magnesium-aluminum chassis, while lightweight, exhibits noticeable flex in the keyboard deck and lid. Typing feels "hollow and unstable," with key travel described as shallow. Worse, the touchpad drew criticism for inconsistent responsiveness, requiring excessive force for clicks. One tester noted, "It’s a step backward for ASUS’s premium business line—executives expect sturdiness."
Thermal management also raised eyebrows. Under sustained load, the device hit temperatures of 48°C (118°F) on the underside, making lap use uncomfortable. Fan noise, though generally subdued, sporadically spiked during routine tasks like video calls.
Connectivity and Extras
On the upside, the B5 offers a full suite of ports: dual Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and a legacy RJ-45 Ethernet jack. Security features like a physical webcam shutter and fingerprint reader were lauded, though the 720p webcam’s grainy image quality disappointed. The optional IR camera for Windows Hello worked reliably but couldn’t compensate for the main camera’s shortcomings.
For deeper insights into benchmark results and real-world testing, see the full analysis at Notebookcheck, which includes thermal imaging and performance comparisons against rivals like Dell’s Latitude and Lenovo’s ThinkPad series.
The Verdict
The ExpertBook B5 targets professionals seeking a large-screen, portable workhorse, but its build quality and ergonomic flaws undermine its appeal. At a starting price of $1,499, expectations run high—and while the display and battery excel, the keyboard, thermals, and structural integrity fall short. ASUS has work to do to compete with the rock-solid reliability of established business laptops.
Bottom Line: A compelling spec sheet overshadowed by execution issues. Recommended only for those prioritizing screen size over tactile durability.
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