When choosing a laptop, users will usually have to choose their usage needs, whether they need powerful processing power, AI-features, a compact computer design, or the ability to upgrade their own components and also durability.
Recently, we were given the opportunity to test the ASUS ExpertBook PM3 laptop, a laptop from ASUS that is said to meet all these needs, and this is our review of it.
Specifications And Design
Model Name ASUS ExpertBook PM3
Display Size 14″, WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10, IPS, 60
300 nits
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor
AMD Radeon 860M Graphics Chip
RAM 16GB LPDDR5X
Internal Load 512GB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
Full HD camera + Windows Hello
Audio Built-in stereo speakers
Built-in microphone
I/O plug 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (>10Gbps)
2x USB 4.0 Gen 3 Type-C (>40Gbps)
1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS
1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Windows 11 Home Operating System
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) connection
Bluetooth 5.4
70WHr battery
65W charger
Prices Starting from RM5,199
Starting with the specifications of this laptop, it is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor chip which comes with a combination of eight physical cores and 16 power threads with a processing speed of up to 5GHz. This model is also equipped with 16GB of memory and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage.
The advantage of this ExpertBook PM3 laptop comes through the ability of this laptop's memory and storage specifications to be upgraded by the user themselves. At the bottom of the frame there are four screws that can be opened that provide access to the laptop's component space, where the memory and storage components can be upgraded.
This laptop comes with an additional expansion slot, which allows users to add memory and storage without having to remove the original components. In the meantime, the battery components can also be changed quickly and easily without the need for a screwdriver.
This ASUS ExpertBook PM3 also comes with a 14-inch IPS screen display with a resolution of 1920×1200 with a brightness value of 300 nits. Not only that, this display also comes with a hinge reinforced with steel, to ensure that it is not damaged when the display is closed with an obstacle between the display and the keyboard.
In terms of plug offerings, the ASUS ExpertBook PM3 comes with two USB 3.2 Type-C plugs, two USB 3.2 Type-A plugs, one HDMI 2.1 plug, one 3.5mm audio plug and one RJ-45 internet cable plug.
In addition to the durability of this laptop's screen display hinge, the ExpertBook PM3's USB plugs are also USB Type-A and Type-C plugs that can withstand being lifted when a cable is connected to a heavy object. This ensures that the probability of the USB plug being damaged when the cable is accidentally pulled is lower.
It has also passed the MIL-STD 810H standard, which shows that it comes with a durable design and can be used in locations where temperatures are very high or low, or have high humidity levels.
For wireless connectivity, this laptop comes with support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. In terms of battery, it is loaded with a 70Whr battery which, as I said before, is very easy to replace when needed.
This laptop runs the latest Microsoft Windows 11 operating system and comes with MyASUS software to facilitate the process of updating this laptop system, as well as AI ExpertMeet software that enhances the quality of your teleconferencing sessions with features such as noise cancellation on the microphone and speaker, subtitle translation and so on.
This laptop also comes with a weight of only 1.34kg, light enough and easy to carry and use anywhere.
User Experience
ASUS ExpertBook PM3 comes with quite good office productivity performance. In my short time with it, I was able to do my daily office tasks smoothly even though it was only using battery power. I will discuss this further below.
With the latest AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor, whether you're typing, editing photos and videos, or watching high-resolution video content, it can do it all without having to worry about issues like lag or software stutters when you're doing tasks that require heavy processing power.
This is because the AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor is designed to allow it to operate at higher performance rates even when using battery power. If you need maximum processing power, connecting it to a power supply is the best way to use it.
The IPS display of this laptop is also bright and good enough to be used in a variety of situations. With a maximum brightness value of 300 nits, it can be used under the scorching sun when you set the brightness value to the maximum level, but for use in the office, I usually only use 40 percent brightness to help get a longer battery life.
The viewing angles of this screen display are also quite good for me. It may not be as wide as an OLED screen display that can promise a bright viewing angle of almost 180 degrees, but it is good enough if you want to show something on your screen to a colleague next to you.
Another interesting thing about this laptop is that most of the ports are located on the right side of this laptop. USB 3.2 Type-C ports, one USB 3.2 Type-A port and an HDMI port are located in that location.
This is to provide more space on the left side of the laptop so that users can use the mouse more easily. I usually only use the touchpad on laptops like this, but this is a good consideration for those who prefer to use a mouse.
If there is one thing I might not like about this laptop, it would be the keyboard. In my opinion, the space between the keys is too wide, and the switches used are too shallow.
For me, who often types quickly, this can cause my fingers to hurt at a faster rate. Maybe this is just an issue for me, but for me, it is still a problem especially when my job requires me to type a lot.
But the two most important features of this laptop, in my opinion, are its rugged durability, and the ability for users to upgrade the internal components themselves.
First is its durability. This ASUS ExpertBook PM3 comes with the ability to withstand being stepped on, thrown and its display hinge is built to withstand even the most severe abuse. In fact, the laptop's ports have also been reinforced with metal to ensure that it can lift objects weighing up to 9kg, which reduces the likelihood that the ports will be damaged if the cable is accidentally pulled.
With the MIL-STD 810H certification, it also means that this laptop can be used in locations with extreme weather, whether it's hot or cold.
As I said, the ASUS ExpertBook PM3 also comes with the ability to upgrade internal components, including memory, storage, and battery. To access it, you only need a Philips screwdriver to unscrew the four screws holding the bottom frame, and you can see the components inside directly.
Starting with storage, this laptop features two PCIe 4.0 SSD storage slots of two different sizes. This includes a larger M.2 2280 SSD slot, and another smaller M.2 2230 slot. When you buy this laptop, it will be loaded with 512GB or 1TB SSD storage in the M.2 2280 slot, and if you need it, you can load larger storage and add more if needed.
This laptop also has two LPDDR5 memory slots that can be utilized. The models offered in the Malaysian market come with a choice of 16GB or 32GB, but if users want to add memory, it can also be upgraded to 64GB if needed.
Another component that can be replaced is the battery. The difference in changing the battery on this laptop is that it does not require any screwdrivers to replace it. The 70Whr battery system on this laptop can be removed via two tabs on its side, and can be removed and reinstalled.
This is seen as very useful especially for the company's IT department if users say that the battery needs to be replaced, and they can do it quickly and easily.
Battery
As I said, the ASUS ExpertBook PM3 comes with a 70Whr battery, which ASUS says can play offline videos on battery power for 18 hours straight.
However, the real reality of using a laptop like this is not just to play videos with the lowest brightness setting.
I would say that this laptop, with my usage pattern, with the brightness set to 50 percent with normal usage mode, can last for about 7 to 8 hours on a full charge.
My usual tasks are writing articles , editing photos, and watching videos during lunch at the office. It can also run some light games, but if you use battery power, it will drop dramatically.
However, I would say that the battery charging of this laptop is quite fast. In just half an hour, I can charge this laptop using 65W charging to 50 percent, and this allows me to use the laptop for about 3 to 4 hours without any problems.
Benchmark Scores
These are the benchmark scores for the ASUS ExpertBook PM3 laptop
PCMark 10
CrystalDiskMark
What's in the Box?
This is what comes in the box of an ASUS ExpertBook PM3 laptop:
1x ASUS ExpertBook PM3
1x 65W USB Type-C charger
1x user manual
Cover
The ASUS ExpertBook PM3 is a laptop that is ideal for a variety of user groups, including companies that have a large number of employees outside the office, and need something that can be used in a variety of environments.
Secondly, it is suitable for those who want something more flexible in terms of internal components. Perhaps they want to buy a cheaper laptop first, and want to upgrade the memory and storage components later.
At a starting price of RM5199 for the model with the AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 CPU and RM5799 for the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 model with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, you can choose the specifications that suit your needs.
Pros:
Office productivity laptop with good productivity capabilities
Durable
Easy component upgrades
Can be used in a variety of locations, weather, and temperatures
Cons:
Keyboard switches are too shallow
Battery life could be longer