Business laptops have long been known for their no-nonsense approach—solid performance, essential features, and practical design at a reasonable price. Asus has taken this concept further by building a business laptop that meets Microsoft’s CoPilot+ PC requirements. The result? The Asus ExpertBook P5 (P5405), a device that aims to balance business reliability with performance and modern AI-powered tools. But does it deliver? Let’s dive in.
Design and Build: Functionality with a Touch of Elegance
Unlike the stereotypical bulky business laptops of the past, the ExpertBook P5 sports a sleek, modern design with a slim profile. The matte grey finish adds a touch of class, and the overall build quality is solid. Asus claims that the laptop meets the US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard, making it durable enough for both office environments and on-the-go professionals.
A standout feature is its well-engineered hinge, which allows the display to open fully and rest flat on a surface. While this may not seem like a game-changer, it ensures longevity by reducing stress on the hinge—a thoughtful touch for business users.
Another practical design element is the keyboard. Offering a comfortable 1.5mm key travel, the keyboard is quiet enough for meetings and conference rooms. It’s also spill-resistant, which will be appreciated by those prone to coffee mishaps.
On the downside, the display lid has a slight flex, which isn’t a dealbreaker but does take away a bit from the premium feel.
Port Selection: Almost Perfect, Except…
Connectivity is crucial for business users, and the ExpertBook P5 mostly delivers. You get:
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports
1 x HDMI 2.1 port
A 3.5mm combo audio jack
However, there’s no Ethernet port, which some businesses might find limiting. Given the slim design, it’s understandable, but an included dongle would have been a nice touch.
Performance: Built for Business, But With Some Surprises
Under the hood, the ExpertBook P5 packs an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD. These specs are more than sufficient for business applications, multitasking, and even light content creation.
It also includes Intel’s Arc 140V GPU. While this isn’t a gaming laptop, the benchmark scores suggest that casual gaming is possible—just make sure your IT department is cool with it. During normal office tasks, the laptop remains cool and quiet, and even under heavy loads, the fan noise is minimal.
AI Features: Practical or Gimmicky?
One of the laptop’s selling points is its AI-enhanced tools. Among them, AI ExpertMeet stands out—it provides AI-generated summaries of both live and recorded meetings, making it useful for professionals handling multiple discussions daily. Additionally, it offers automatic watermarking of video calls, which can be beneficial for freelancers and businesses looking to brand their interactions.
Display: High Refresh Rate, But Not Necessarily Needed
The ExpertBook P5 features a 2560 x 1600-pixel IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. While the resolution is decent for productivity, the high refresh rate feels like overkill for a business laptop. A sharper OLED display with a standard refresh rate would have been a better choice, especially for professionals working with visuals.
On the plus side, the matte finish reduces glare, making it great for outdoor work. However, at 50% brightness, the screen still feels a bit dim, so you may need to crank it up in well-lit environments.
Battery Life: A Reliable Workhorse
The laptop houses a 63Wh 3-cell battery, which delivers an impressive 9-10 hours of office use with the 144Hz refresh rate enabled. If you drop it to 60Hz, you might squeeze out even more juice. Asus includes a 65W Type-C charger in the box, which gets the battery to 70% in just an hour—a welcome convenience for professionals on tight schedules.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The Asus ExpertBook P5 (P5405) is a well-rounded business laptop that gets most things right. It offers solid performance, a durable yet stylish design, a practical keyboard, and thoughtful AI tools. While the 144Hz display feels unnecessary, the overall package is impressive for business users looking for a reliable work machine.
The biggest downside? Availability. Unlike consumer laptops, you can’t just walk into a store or order one online—you’ll need to reach out to Asus directly if you’re a business buyer.
Pros:
✔ Slim and premium design
✔ Solid performance for business tasks
✔ AI tools that enhance productivity
✔ Excellent battery life and fast charging
✔ Thoughtful keyboard and hinge design
Cons:
✖ No Ethernet port
✖ 144Hz display is unnecessary for business use
✖ Availability is restricted to business purchases
Final Thoughts:
If you’re a small business owner, corporate buyer, or a self-employed professional looking for a reliable and powerful work laptop, the ExpertBook P5 is a strong contender. While it may not have the visual flair of its consumer-focused siblings, it makes up for it with practicality, durability, and performance.
