ASUS flagship laptop: Exciting power versus high price

For years, the business laptop landscape has been defined by beige monotony—plastic shells, creaky hinges, and displays that offered exactly as much excitement as a tax form. I’ve long believed that corporate hardware simply brought down the entire ecosystem. But then ASUS released the ExpertBook Ultra, and suddenly, I had to rethink everything.

This machine is a genuine shock to the system. It manages to blend the rigid demands of professional work with an aesthetic that looks like it belongs on a high-end consumer flagship. The ExpertBook Ultra proves that business class doesn’t have to mean boring; it can mean breathtakingly beautiful.

From the moment you unbox it, the difference is palpable. This laptop is crafted from premium materials, featuring an aviation-inspired Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy with Nano Ceramic Technology. It’s thin and light—a stunning 10.9 mm profile weighing a mere 0.99 kg (2.18 lbs). It feels less like a tool for the office and more like an instrument designed for effortless travel.

But the true star of the show is the display. The ExpertBook Ultra features a 14-inch 3K Tandem OLED screen that is simply best-in-class. Offering up to 1400 nits of HDR peak brightness and a stunning 120Hz variable refresh rate, colors pop with incredible vibrancy. This screen makes scrolling smooth and animations fluid, creating an immersive visual experience that elevates the mundane act of work.

ASUS also addressed the aesthetic further with the ExpertLumi lighting system, a subtle lightbar that illuminates when the device powers up or shuts down. While some prefer classic minimalism, this feature adds a touch of futuristic flair, making the startup sequence feel intentional and modern.

The tactile experience is equally refined. The keyboard and haptic trackpad are flawless, offering a satisfying, quiet, and precise input experience. The trackpad itself extends to the very edge of the device, providing a unique, ergonomic touch point, while the lid opens with smooth, one-handed ease.

Under the hood, performance is surprisingly robust for a thin chassis. It’s powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor, supported by up to 64 GB of RAM and an integrated Intel Arc B390 GPU. This configuration handles demanding multitasking, heavy video processing, and local AI tasks with ease. Crucially, the cooling system keeps things cool and quiet—operating under 28 decibels in balanced mode.

Battery life is another major win. I found that this machine easily stretches through a full workday, often providing up to 18 to 20 hours of light usage, giving users the freedom to leave the charger behind without sweat.

However, no high-end tech package comes without its complexities. The main hurdle for the ExpertBook Ultra is its price tag. At $3,599.99, it sits at the very high end of the market. While this laptop is undeniably phenomenal in design and performance, that cost makes it a hard sell for most consumers. If you are looking for something truly exceptional, consider waiting for sales or exploring alternatives, as many other machines offer great value.

Ultimately, the ExpertBook Ultra is an incredible piece of engineering—a testament to what business laptops can be. If you prioritize cutting-edge design, a superior display, and top-tier performance above all else, it is a masterpiece. Just be prepared for the reality check: its price demands serious consideration.