Asus sets a new record in the business notebook sector with the ExpertBook B9. The upcoming device is the lightest 14-inch laptop of all times. Outside of Germany, at least. In this country, the device will be a bit heavier than elsewhere with 1,005 grams. The notebook is supposed to come with the latest Intel Tiger Lake vPro SoCs and thus be able to offer enough power under the hood.
The notebook is not a world premiere
Asus has already presented the ExpertBook B9 to the world public a few months ago. However, in the context of this year’s CES, the company has presented an improved version. Thanks to Intel Tiger Lake vPro, the revised notebook should now be able to offer even more security, among other things. Apart from that, however, everything remains the same. As German users, we did not get to enjoy the original ExpertBook B9. However, the revised version is supposed to be launched here as well. However, the new notebook does not offer the featherweight of the predecessor. In fact, instead of the impressive 880 grams, the new version barely breaks the 1 kg mark with its 1,005 grams.
The main reason for the weight difference is probably the battery. The version with a weight of 880 grams only has a weak 33 watt hours. Apparently, this is too small for the local market in Asus’ eyes. Thus, the company only offers the slim business notebook with a 66 watt-hour battery in our area. However, the additional 125 grams also have their good points. According to Asus, the model with 66 watt hours achieves a battery life of up to 20 hours. Once the battery is empty, it is recharged extremely quickly with 65 watts.
Great design meets resistant materials
According to Asus, the case of the notebook was manufactured according to the requirements of the so-called MIL-STD 810H standard. Accordingly, it is not only a real lightweight, but also offers impressive resistance. Since business notebooks primarily have to shine in mobile use, this decision is absolutely right. Fortunately, you don’t notice that the case is so robust. It comes in a noble and inconspicuous design. Thanks to a screen-to-body ratio of 94 percent, the razor-thin display edges provide a very modern look. The 14-inch display with a resolution of 1,080p should make all screen contents appear razor-sharp.
Asus wants to offer the ExpertBook B9 with 32 GB LPDDR4x-4,266 RAM in the maximum features. In the most expensive features, 2×2 terabyte M.2 SSDs are supposed to provide enough storage space. The ExpertBook also lives up to its reputation as a business notebook in terms of connections. Asus provides the device with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, an HDMI port and an AUX port. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 are supposed to provide fast connectivity. The corresponding data security, on the other hand, is supposed to be ensured by an infrared webcam and fingerprint sensor. Windows Hello is also supposed to be supported here. The positive overall picture of the features is rounded off by the illuminated keyboard. This is equipped for everyday work thanks to splash water protection.
Prices and availability
It will probably be ready in February. Then the slim ExpertBook B9 will finally reach the German market. The basic version starts at a price of 2,499 euros. It is not quite as light as the original model, but it can score with great features. Asus seems to have produced a pretty perfect business notebook here.
