With the ExpertBook B2 Flip, Asus is launching a notebook with a pen for the working world. You should not be distracted by the somewhat conservative design. We reveal why in the test.
Asus ExpertBook B2 Flip review
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Powerhouse in a conservative suit
In the everyday (work) test, the Asus ExpertBook B2 Flip proves to be a powerful convertible notebook with hardly anything to complain about. Apart from perhaps the somewhat boring design, the only thing that spoils the generally excellent impression is the somewhat short battery life. If you are looking for a powerful work tool and always have a socket nearby, you will not regret the purchase.
We liked that
- High quality
- Stylus included
- Very good equipment
We didn’t like that
- Battery life could be longer
- Slightly boring design
A quick presentation in a standup meeting with colleagues and the tablet with you, quickly updating a few Excel spreadsheets on the notebook on the train, doing some image editing with the graphics tablet in the hotel and then a little video chatting with the family? The modern world of work is diverse and often means that many tools have to be carried along.
Asus shows that this doesn’t have to be the case with the ExpertBook B2 Flip. This convertible notebook promises high durability, lots of performance and, thanks to the touchscreen and pen, combines the strengths of a tablet and notebook in one device. In our test you can find out where the concept works and where we see the weaknesses.
design
The ExpertBook B2 Flip from Asus is primarily aimed at business customers. You can see that directly from the notebook, because it looks rather conservative. The lid is framed in shiny metallic black aluminum. The convertible’s frame, hinges and body are made of black matte plastic. Only the Asus lettering in shiny chrome stands out.
The notebook’s ports are integrated into the right and left side of the frame. On the right side there is also the power button with a fingerprint scanner and a volume rocker. Anyone who is used to having “louder” at the top and “quieter” at the bottom from tablets and cell phones will have to get used to it, because the ExpertBook is exactly the opposite.
The Asus ExpertBook B2 Flip in pictures
The user interface with keyboard and touchpad is pleasantly spacious and offers plenty of space to rest your palms. In addition to a full numeric keypad, the keyboard also has a trackball.
processing
With the dimensions 33.95 x 23.99 x 1.99 centimeters and a weight of around 1.9 kilograms, the ExpertBook B2 Flip is rather average. It doesn’t weigh you down in a backpack or under your arm and is easy to transport.
If you fold the display of the notebook onto the back of the device, the lid nestles nicely flush to the bottom of the device. Nothing wobbles in this tablet mode. Only the keyboard keys can be a bit irritating for convertible newbies. The hinges offer good resistance and make a reliable impression.
According to the manufacturer, the notebook was tested according to MIL-STD 810H. According to the report, the notebook survives “extreme environmental factors, from freezing temperatures to the searing heat, from hard knocks to everyday vibrations” and has undergone “pressure, shock and drop tests” internally.
Of course, we can’t recreate all of these scenarios in our everyday testing – but the general impression of the ExpertBook B2 Flip does not leave us in doubt about its robustness. The materials used and the workmanship make a very good – and robust – impression.
scope of delivery
The scope of delivery of the Asus ExpertBook is extensive. In addition to the notebook, you will receive a modular charging cable with USB-C connector, an Asus stylus and the usual information brochures on use and warranty.
The scope of delivery of the Asus ExpertBook B2 Flip. (Source: Netzwelt)
Exemplary: The packaging consists almost entirely of uncoated cardboard and similar packaging materials. Disposal is therefore easy to do in the paper bin.
Capacitive stylus Asus Pen
You don’t have to make a separate purchase for the Asus Pen digital pen. As already mentioned in the scope of delivery, the pen is included with the notebook. According to the data sheet, it is the MPP 2.0 Asus Pen, which is also available separately and costs 79.99 euros.
Asus Pen and ExpertBook harmonize perfectly “out of the box”. The battery-operated stylus connects directly to the notebook and Windows 11 switches to pen mode almost unnoticed. You can also put your hand on the display, because the pen is used as the primary Input source detected.
Notes in Word, drawing in Paint, fine image editing in Adobe Photoshop – the Asus Pen is convincing in most situations. However, two points cloud the positive impression. On the one hand, you need an AAAA battery for the pen, which may not be available in every store and makes it necessary to go to a specialist dealer. On the other hand, there is no attachment to the ExpertBook. So there is a risk of loss.
screen
The ExpertBook B2 is equipped with a 14 inch touch display. More precisely, it is an IPS display with FullHD resolution and an aspect ratio of 16:9. The brightness of the display reaches up to 250 nit, i.e. 250 times the luminosity of a candle. So you are well equipped for interiors. And you can also work with the ExpertBook outside, because the display is anti-glare.
As is typical for tablets, the ExpertBook’s display has a very wide border between the operable screen and the outer edge of the display. As a result, the notebook loses some of its filigree looks. However, after a short period of getting used to it, the frame hardly weighs anything.
Processor, graphics and RAM
The ExpertBook B2 Flip in front of us is very well “motorized”: Our test device is equipped with the Intel Core i7-1260P, which is accompanied by two 16 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM – i.e. a total of 32 gigabytes. This is not yet the top configuration, because you You can choose up to 64 gigabytes of RAM.In terms of processors, you can also choose from slightly weaker Intel Core i3 and i5 models.
Integrated graphics cards are responsible for the graphics in all models. This is either the Intel UHD graphics unit for models with Intel Core i3 or Intel Iris XE for models with Intel Core i5 or i7. Dedicated graphics cards are not provided.
The Asus ExpertBook B2 Flip can easily be folded down to become a tablet. (Source: Netzwelt)
Gamers can certainly run one or the other frugal game with it. The equipment is not suitable for demanding gaming. However, it was able to convince with all office and graphics work that we asked the notebook to do.
For example, we gave our video team the notebook for editing and video editing as a test – and we received consistently positive feedback. The final rendering in particular could be completed at a pleasantly fast speed and the noise development of the fan was kept within a very tolerable range.
Storage
When it comes to memory, Asus relies on fast M.2 NVMe memory for the ExpertBook B2. You can choose between 256 gigabytes and 2 terabytes in the configurator. According to the data sheet, the biggest difference between the various memory modules is the PCIe standard.
Depending on the configuration, you can get 256 to 1,000 gigabytes with the old PCIe 3.0 standard. Alternatively, you can choose a PCIe 4.0 NVMe memory with double the transmission speed and a volume of up to 2,000 gigabytes.
Since only one memory module is installed in the notebook, a slightly more powerful configuration can turn out to be an advantage in the long run. Especially with faster configurations in terms of RAM and CPU, you should be happy with your notebook for longer.
battery and runtime
A 48 watt hour battery is installed in the ExpertBook B2 Flip. With around 8 hours, it provides you with just enough power for a working day. However, the loading times are pleasantly short, which means that the running time is less important. You can use the included charger to regain 64 percent battery charge within an hour. The battery is not replaceable.
operating system and operation
Windows 11 is pre-installed on the Asus ExpertBook and depending on the configuration you can choose the professional version or the home version. The Pro version is preinstalled on our test device. The service is very harmonious.
Microsoft’s new operating system is well designed for both pure notebook use and tablet mode. Switching between the modes and the screen formats also ran pleasantly smoothly. Those who like to use all possible input methods will get their money’s worth here. We didn’t notice any bloatware.
microphone and video
Appropriate audio and video equipment is necessary for the mobile workplace. An HD camera is used here that does its job reliably. Depending on the model, it is also used for biometric unlocking of the device. If you don’t want to sit in front of the camera all the time, you can use “Webcam Shield” to cover the lens.
It’s just a slider that covers the camera with an opaque plastic panel. The ExpertBook B2 Flip is also well equipped when it comes to sound, offering two speakers and two microphones.
They also do an unreservedly good service and transmit voices reliably and clearly in both directions.
Asus ExpertBook B2 Flip
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Asus ExpertBook B2 Flip: data sheet
Here you will find the technical data for the Asus ExpertBook B2 Flip. You can easily compare size, weight and other properties with other products.
| classification | 2-in-1 convertible notebook |
| graphic card | Intel UHD or Iris XE |
| processor | 12th Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7 |
| Weight | 1.9 |
| display size | 14 inches |
| refresh rate | -/- |
| random access memory | up to 64GB |
| mass storage | up to 2TB |
| connections | 1x USB 2.0 Type A 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C support indicator / power 1x Thunderbolt™ 4 support indicator / power 1x HDMI 1.4 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack 1 x RJ45 Gigabit ethernet |
| Dimensions | 36.45 x 24.73 x 1.99 cm |
| battery pack | 48Wh |
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