Asus released the AsusPro B9440UA laptop to capture the “prosumer” market with a durable ultrabook starting at $999.
The B9440UA features an Intel Core i5-7200U processor, 8GB of DDR3-1866 memory, and a 512GB SSD. Graphics are handled by the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 processor.
The B9440UA’s new hinge does have its drawbacks. Asus had to move the laptop’s built-in WiFi antenna from the display to the base and remove the device’s built-in webcam. The company downplayed this decision in a blog post by saying it meant “there’s no need to worry about three-letter government agencies looking in on what you’re doing.”
The B9440UA’s other main feature is the reduced bezel size, which allowed Asus to build a 14″ screen into a chassis typically seen on 13″ laptops.
B9440UA’s also had a fast charging sytem. Asus said the laptop, which it claims has a 10-hour battery life, can reach 50% charge in just 30 minutes.
For now there’s only one model available, the B9440UA-XS51, and it features the specs listed here. Asus did say on its website, though, that a variety of processors, memory configurations, and storage options will be available for the B9440UA, so we expect more models to debut soon.
You can buy the B9440UA-XS51 from Asus’ online store and Amazon right now for $999 or $1,299 in the U.S. or Canada, respectively.
| Product | Asus B9440UA-XS51 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-7200U |
| Memory | 8 GB LPDDR3 1,866MHz |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| Display | 14.0″ (16:9) LED backlit FHD (1920 x 1080) 60Hz Anti-Glare Panel with 72% NTSC with WideView Technology |
| Storage | 512GB PCIE Gen3 SSD |
| Ports | 1 x Microphone-in/Headphone-out jack 2 x USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Type-C |
| Networking | – Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2×2) – Built-in Bluetooth V4.1 |
| Dimensions | 321.3 x 216.2 x 8.9-15 mm (WxDxH) |
| Weight | 1.05 kg with Battery |
| Starting MSRP | $999 |
