This ASUS notebook costs only 8 thousand! It has a decent processor, Full HD display, and military certification

A notebook with military certifications and a usable processor for 8 thousand Czech crowns? It sounds absurd, but the ASUS ExpertBook B1 B1503 somehow managed it. On Alza.cz, it currently costs 8,590 CZK with the discount code ALZADNY20, while in July it was launched for 11,390 CZK. On Heureka and in smaller e-shops, you can find the same model even cheaper – from 8,016 CZK. Don’t expect miracles from it, but if you’re looking for a basic computer for the office, school, or home, it’s not a failure.

Intel Core 3 N355 – what kind of processor is it?

The ASUS ExpertBook B1 is powered by Intel Core 3 N355 – a processor from a brand new series that Intel launched in the first quarter of 2025. It is an 8-core chip with a clock speed of 1.9 GHz and a turbo frequency of up to 3.9 GHz. The TDP is set at just 15 W, which means low power consumption and quiet operation.

In practice, this means performance comparable to Core i3 from previous generations. For regular office work (text documents, spreadsheets, a browser with dozens of tabs), it’s sufficient. However, it’s definitely not for 4K video editing, advanced photo editing, or demanding games. It’s a typical processor for undemanding users who need a reliable tool for everyday tasks.

Graphics are handled by Intel UHD Graphics with 32 execution units and a clock speed of up to 1.35 GHz. Support for DirectX 12.1, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 3.0 means you can play 4K video at 60 fps, but it’s not enough for playing newer games. Alternatively, you can play older titles or indie games with low requirements.

What do you get for 8 thousand?

The ASUS ExpertBook B1 B1503 offers a 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, brightness of 300 nits, and an anti-glare finish. The screen-to-body ratio is 87%, which means thin bezels on the sides. The color coverage of 45% NTSC is nothing extraordinary – it’s sufficient for office work, but not for professional photo editing.

The display has TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification, which reduces blue light and lessens eye strain during prolonged use. This will be appreciated by anyone who spends all day at the computer. The refresh rate is a standard 60 Hz.

The operating memory has a capacity of 8 GB LPDDR5x, which is a fast type of RAM, but unfortunately, it cannot be expanded – the memory is soldered directly onto the motherboard. For everyday use, this is sufficient, but if you plan to have 50 browser tabs open, several spreadsheets, and a video conference simultaneously, you might quickly run out of memory.

Storage consists of a 256 GB SSD with an M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 interface. This is a fast drive, but the capacity is small. The system takes up approximately 50 GB, leaving you with about 200 GB for data. If you need more space, you will have to purchase an external drive or replace the SSD with a larger version.

Military Standard MIL-STD-810H

One of the main advantages of the ASUS ExpertBook B1 is its MIL-STD-810H certification – an American military standard that guarantees resistance to extreme conditions. The notebook has passed tests for:

• Temperature fluctuations (operates from -20 °C to +60 °C)
• Sudden shocks and drops
• Strong vibrations
• High humidity
• Dust and dirt

This doesn’t mean you can throw the notebook into your backpack like a brick, but it will withstand much more than typical consumer notebooks. If you travel, carry your notebook to school, or work in the field, this is a valuable feature.

The construction is plastic (not aluminum), but thanks to the certification it has undergone, it is sturdier than it looks. The weight of 1.59 kg is excellent for a 15.6″ notebook – most competitors weigh 1.8–2 kg.

Office Equipment

The ASUS ExpertBook B1 has all the equipment you need in an office. A numeric keypad will facilitate working with spreadsheets, and a backlit keyboard will help you work at night. The layout is Czech, so you don’t have to deal with American QWERTY.

The webcam has a resolution of 720p and a physical privacy shutter. This is useful during online meetings – just cover the camera with one movement and you can be sure no one is watching you. The notebook also features AI two-way noise cancellation, which eliminates distracting ambient sounds during video conferences.

Connectivity includes 2× USB-C, 2× USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0), HDMI, RJ-45 (LAN), and a Combo Audio Jack. The USB-C ports are used for both charging (45 W) and data transfer. WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure fast wireless connectivity.

The battery has a capacity of 42 Wh, which is a small value. ASUS does not specify the exact battery life, but with a 15W processor and a Full HD display, you can expect approximately 5-6 hours of normal work. It’s not enough for a full day’s work without a charger.

Who is the ASUS ExpertBook B1 ideal for?

This notebook makes sense for anyone who:

• Is looking for an affordable computer for office work (text documents, spreadsheets, browser)
• Needs a durable notebook with military certification
• Wants a lightweight design (1.59 kg) for carrying in a backpack
• Appreciates a Czech-Slovak keyboard with a numeric keypad
• Can install the operating system themselves (Windows 11 or Linux)

On the other hand, if you need a notebook for video editing, advanced photo editing, gaming, or plan to have dozens of applications open simultaneously, you will need more powerful hardware.

The promotion with code ALZADNY20 is valid on Alza.cz, but you can find an even better price on Heureka (from 8,016 CZK). If you are looking for a solid base for undemanding use and don’t need the latest performance, now is the right time.

Would a similar notebook be sufficient for you?