New Delhi: In terms of positioning, the ExpertBook B1 is the lowest-tier of business laptops by Asus. These are the laptops picked up for their employees by multinational companies in large batches. The commercial laptops by Asus are divided into the B and P series, with the P series being a more premium tier aimed at modern professionals, while the B series being essential business laptops. So within the B series, there are the B1, B3 and B5 ‘models’ described by Asus as mainstream, premium and flagship. The refreshed lineup was launched today. These are durable, long-lasting workhorse laptops, that are designed to withstand the harsher use for company laptops, as against the care taken for personal devices.

The B1 is incredibly think, but the clever design makes it appear even thinner. (Image Credit: Aditya Madanapalle/News9).

The B1 is actually a versatile and configurable platform where large companies can benefit from the economies of scale, and order batches of laptops that meet their exacting requirements in terms of security, service and reliability. Asus has provided a surprising and robust package that meets all the requirements of the segment, but goes well beyond on many fronts. Asus has also made pre-configured versions of these laptops available in the market, providing consumers with an option that was previously just not available to them. This is just about the most boring Asus laptop in existence, in theory. The computing experience it provides though, is surprisingly elevated.

When we first looked at it, we thought this was an ExpertBook P1, a more premium range. In this segment, consumers can typically expect the use of ABS, a hardy thermoplastic polymer, that may just have a metallic finish to resemble more expensive machines that occupy corner offices, not cubicles. Instead, Asus has provided an aluminium alloy lid. The laptop is available in two finishes, the Gentle Grey with a textured finish and the Misty Grey which has a painted finish. We received the latter for the review. In the middle of the lid is the eye-catching Asus ExpertBook logo in a reflective rectangular bar, resembling a conference badge.

The branding on the top catches the light. (Image Credit: Aditya Madanapalle/News9).

While there is a slight lift on the base, the lid can be lifted up smoothly. Laptops in this segment typically require the base to be held down or get pushed backwards when the lid is being opened. On the top edge of the lid is the camera secured by a physical shutter. There are microphones on either side of the camera. The display is a 16:9 glare-free IPS panel, with the Asus ExpertBook branding beneath. Asus has used black on the bezels and the keyboard, that contrasts with the metallic finish of the chassis. The reinforced hinge runs along the entire base. The lid opens up by 180 degrees, allowing the screen to be shared around a coffee or conference table.

The branding on the bottom looks cool when it catches the light.........

© News9Live