The Asus ExpertBook B9, part of the company’s ExpertBook Premium lineup, stands out as an ideal choice for professionals seeking high-performance laptops with enterprise-grade security, all packed into a sleek and durable design.
Design and Build The ExpertBook B9 series maintains its familiar compact and lightweight design with the latest model, the B9403CVA, weighing only 990 grams. This impressive reduction in weight is achieved through the use of a magnesium-lithium alloy, which offers enhanced durability over previous magnesium-aluminum alloy builds while keeping the design sleek and professional.
Asus has also refined the laptop’s hinge, allowing for smooth, one-handed operation while providing solid support. The hinge mechanism includes a 180-degree opening angle and slightly raises the laptop’s height to improve airflow and typing comfort. The device sports a minimalist matte finish that looks clean and professional, though it remains prone to visible scratches despite its fingerprint-resistant coating.
Display The ExpertBook B9 B9403CVA features a 14-inch OLED panel with slim 4mm bezels and a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing a large and productive workspace. The display boasts a resolution of 2880×1800 pixels with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors suitable for productivity tasks. While the screen performs well indoors, its reflective surface can pose visibility issues in bright outdoor environments. Additionally, the Adaptive Color feature can sometimes be overly sensitive, causing occasional disruptions when editing images or engaging in other color-sensitive activities.
Connectivity and Ports Despite its slim profile, the ExpertBook B9 offers a wide range of connectivity options. On the left side, users will find a full-sized HDMI 2.1 port, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, a micro HDMI to RJ45 port, and an audio jack. The right side includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, an air vent, and a power button with an integrated fingerprint scanner for added security.
Wireless connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, which provide robust internet and device connections. While some laptops are now equipped with Wi-Fi 7, the Wi-Fi 6E standard remains adequate for most business needs.
Keyboard, Trackpad, and Camera The ExpertBook B9 offers a comfortable typing experience with its full-sized keyboard, featuring well-spaced keys and a 1.5mm key travel. The keyboard is also spill-resistant and backlit, though only a single brightness level is available. The large touchpad, 26.8% bigger than previous models, supports multi-touch gestures and includes a numeric keypad feature that can be activated as needed.
The laptop is equipped with an FHD (1080p) camera supported by AI features like Background Blurring, Eye Tracking, and Motion Tracking to enhance video calls. The built-in IR proximity sensor provides seamless facial recognition for quick logins, and a physical webcam shield ensures privacy when the camera is not in use.
Performance and Software Powered by the Intel Core i7-1355U vPro processor, 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD, the ExpertBook B9 delivers smooth and efficient performance for a wide range of tasks. The laptop handles everyday work tasks effortlessly and supports moderate multitasking without lag. However, the device can become noticeably warm under heavy workloads, especially when running in Performance mode.
The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are suitable for basic photo and video editing but are not intended for intensive graphical tasks. The laptop runs on Windows 11 Pro, providing enhanced security features like BitLocker Device Encryption and enterprise management tools aimed at professionals.
Battery Life and Charging With a 63Wh battery, the ExpertBook B9 offers 7 to 9 hours of battery life, which varies depending on usage. The included 65W charger can recharge the battery to 50% in approximately 36 minutes, though a full charge takes nearly two hours.
Verdict The Asus ExpertBook B9 B9403CVA is a well-rounded business laptop that excels in portability, performance, and display quality. While it may be on the expensive side compared to some competitors, its premium build, enterprise-grade features, and excellent battery life make it a strong contender for business professionals who prioritize productivity and reliability.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable build
- Excellent display quality
- Good battery life
- Comprehensive connectivity options
- Responsive keyboard and large touchpad
- Enhanced privacy features
Cons:
- High price point
- Adaptive Color feature can be overly sensitive
- Moderate heating under heavy workloads
- Limited speaker performance
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