Asus ExpertBook P5 (P5405) Review: Sleek and Sensible

Asus ExpertBook P5: A Business Laptop Built for Performance and Practicality

As businesses continue to prioritize efficient tools that boost productivity without breaking the bank, Asus’ new ExpertBook P5 (P5405) seems like a strong contender. Aimed at small to medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) and corporate environments, this laptop promises a balance of performance, practicality, and essential features. But how well does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.

A Sleek, Durable Design for Professionals

The Asus ExpertBook P5 defies typical expectations for a business laptop. Gone are the days of bulky, uninspiring designs. This laptop stands out with its slim profile, built from durable materials, and is even certified to meet the US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard. This makes it ready for anything, whether you’re working outdoors under the sun or in the cold confines of an office.

Only available in a matte grey finish, the ExpertBook P5 is a subtle yet premium-looking device. Its hinges are solid, allowing you to open the display with just one finger — perfect for quick presentations. The design also includes a flat-laying hinge, minimizing the risk of damage if something accidentally falls on it.

While it lacks the CNC-machined frame of its flashier cousin, the Asus Zenbook S14, the ExpertBook’s matte aluminum finish resists fingerprints and is easy to clean. The overall build, though less flexible than the Zenbook, still delivers solid durability.

Comfortable for All-Day Use

Typing on the ExpertBook P5 is a pleasant experience. The keyboard offers a 1.5mm key travel, ensuring comfort during long typing sessions. While the keys may feel a bit stiff for heavy typers, they remain quiet enough for meetings or conference calls. The spill-resistant keyboard is also backlit, making it ideal for low-light environments.

One of the smart design choices is the laptop’s rear venting system. Unlike the Zenbook, which requires the lid to stay open for ventilation, the ExpertBook can comfortably be docked with the lid closed, making it more practical for multi-screen setups.

Performance That’s Built for Business and Beyond

Under the hood, the ExpertBook P5 packs a punch. It’s powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V, which includes Intel’s AI Boost NPU for performance optimization. Paired with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, the ExpertBook is more than capable of handling demanding tasks.

In terms of benchmark scores, the ExpertBook holds its own, even against pricier models. While it lags behind the Asus Zenbook S14 and Dell XPS 13 in some tests, it offers a solid 33,631 in the 3DMark Night Raid test — good enough for casual gaming during breaks (though IT policies may not allow it). The laptop’s fan noise remains low even during intense use, adding to its appeal in professional environments.

Display and Visual Experience

The ExpertBook P5 features a high-resolution IPS display, with a 2560 x 1600-pixel resolution. While it lacks the OLED panel of the Zenbook S14, it still delivers sharp visuals for work-related tasks. Its 144Hz refresh rate might be overkill for business purposes and doesn’t offer a blur-free experience. A 60Hz or 90Hz panel might have been more practical, providing room for other features. On the plus side, the matte display reduces glare, making it easier to work outdoors or in brightly lit rooms.

Impressive AI Features for Business Users

One of the standout features of the ExpertBook P5 is the integration of AI tools designed specifically for business users. The AI ExpertMeet tool, for instance, generates summaries of live and recorded meetings, helping you stay on top of discussions. It can even watermark video calls with business cards or notes, which is a handy feature for self-employed professionals and SMBs.

Solid Battery Life and Charging Speed

With a 63Wh 3-cell battery, the ExpertBook P5 delivers solid performance. During regular office use, it lasts for about 9-10 hours, making it perfect for a full workday. The laptop charges quickly too, with a 65W Type-C charger that reaches 70% in just an hour — ideal for when you’re in a rush.

A Smart Choice for Business Professionals

The Asus ExpertBook P5 is a business laptop that stands out by offering a blend of power, durability, and practicality. While it may not have the flashy design or top-tier specs of its consumer-focused counterparts like the Zenbook S14, it delivers impressive value for businesses looking for a reliable machine at the right price.

Its sleek design, practical AI features, and solid performance make it a worthy contender for professionals and SMB owners. While the 144Hz display may seem excessive for business use, the overall package offers more than enough for work tasks, with the added benefit of handling casual gaming or light entertainment. However, it’s important to note that this device is primarily targeted at businesses, so it’s not available for direct consumer purchase.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a business laptop that balances performance and price, the Asus ExpertBook P5 is definitely worth considering. What do you think? Is this a device that would fit into your professional setup? Let us know in the comments!