Asus ExpertBook P1 has introduced a strategic shift with its latest commercial laptops, specifically targeting businesses through an exclusive collaboration with Flipkart, stepping away from the conventional B2B approach.
Designed for small and medium-sized businesses as well as cost-conscious corporate buyers, the ExpertBook P1 series starts at ₹39,990, appealing even to the average consumer. However, the question arises: is it a suitable option for regular users? This review explores the Asus ExpertBook P1.
Highlights
Design and Build: A Professional Look
The Asus ExpertBook P1 embraces a straightforward design philosophy, which is its key feature. Available in Misty Grey with a matte finish, it effectively resists fingerprints. It showcases simple branding on both the lid and beneath the display, and while the body consists of plastic, Asus asserts that it is reinforced internally with a metal chassis, enhancing its durability.
Although it may not feel like a high-end device for this price bracket, it certainly exudes a professional vibe. Weighing 1.4kg, the 14-inch model is light enough for daily commutes and office travel, although it may seem slightly bulkier compared to Asus’ consumer-oriented laptops within the same range.
Display and Audio Quality
The ExpertBook P1 is equipped with a 14-inch Full HD IPS display featuring a 16:9 aspect ratio and a peak brightness of 300 nits. While the bezels are notably thick, particularly at the bottom, giving it a somewhat old-fashioned appearance, this is standard for this category.
Inside, the anti-glare coating performs well, even in bright environments. However, taking it outdoors or in direct sunlight, such as in a taxi, significantly impacts readability. The colour fidelity is limited to a 45% NTSC gamut, indicating it may not be ideal for those in video editing or design, but it suffices for everyday office tasks.
Audio capabilities are delivered through stereo speakers with Dirac tuning, producing a loud and clear sound. Whether participating in a Zoom meeting, watching a YouTube clip, or enjoying a podcast, the audio performance is satisfactory. For a richer sound experience, using high-quality headphones remains advisable.
Innovative AI Features and Webcam
The 720p webcam may not be revolutionary but sufficiently meets the needs for video conferencing. It includes a physical privacy shutter, a feature appreciated in business laptops.
The real excitement arises from the laptop’s AI capabilities. It features a dedicated Microsoft Copilot key and comes pre-loaded with the Asus ExpertMeet application, which can transcribe meetings, create minutes, and add watermarks on the device. This collection of tools enhances the laptop’s functionality, actively promoting efficient remote collaboration.
Additional AI functionalities, such as gaze correction, motion tracking, and light optimisation, improve the webcam’s performance during calls, which is increasingly essential in today’s hybrid work environments.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and Security Features
The chiclet-style keyboard remains a signature design of Asus, which is a positive aspect. Key travel provides a satisfying experience, noise levels are low, and long typing sessions are comfortable. The trackpad is adequately sized, smooth, and responsive to all typical Windows gestures. A somewhat unique coating may feel odd to some users, but it’s a minor issue.
Asus has integrated a fingerprint scanner in the upper right corner of the trackpad, featuring FIDO2 encryption, ensuring secure and effortless system logins.
Connectivity and Durability
The connectivity options are ample, including 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, HDMI 1.1, Ethernet port, headphone jack, and a Kensington lock slot. It includes support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. Asus claims military-grade durability with MIL-STD-810H certification, which includes 50kg pressure tolerance and 66cc spill resistance for the keyboard. Although the reviewer did not test these claims, the overall build quality appears robust enough to endure certain pressures.
Performance and Battery Life
Equipped with a somewhat older 13th Gen Intel processor, performance remains responsive due to the inclusion of 32GB RAM and a 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. The system manages heavy multitasking effortlessly without generating fan noise.
The 50Wh battery provides approximately 5 hours of operation on a single charge, which is respectable, albeit not at the forefront of the market. The higher power requirements of the H-series Intel chip in the review unit may account for this. Conversely, the base model is expected to be more efficient, offering users a longer battery life.
Fortunately, the provided 65W USB-C charger is compatible with both Power Delivery and Programmable Power Supply standards, making it useful for charging smartphones and other USB-C gadgets.
Thus, for users whosephones do not include a charger in the packaging, such as certain high-end phone brands, this adapter fills that void effectively.
Final Thoughts
While the review unit had a different configuration than the base variant and was priced above the entry level of ₹39,990, the Asus ExpertBook P1 provides a compelling argument for being a cost-effective business laptop.
While its display may not cater to colour specialists and its battery life is not top-tier, the P1 excels where it matters most — it is robust, secure, well-connected, and quietly powerful. Coupled with thoughtful features such as AI meeting tools, a physical webcam cover, and military-grade standards, it emerges as a capable machine for contemporary businesses.
