Options and Upgrades
The specification we've reviewed costs a mighty 6,044, but there are a raft of customisation options to bring the price down. Lesser Xeon processors can slash 1,400 from the overall cost, and opting for less RAM slices up to 390 from the total.
A machine with only one GTX 780M is 720 cheaper, and smaller amounts can be saved with weaker storage configurations, DVD drivers and different networking options. The optical drive can even be axed and replaced with an extra hard disk.
Should you're budget be unlimited, it's also possible to beef up the Panther with even more expensive parts. The priciest graphics upgrade crams two Nvidia Quadro K5000Ms inside at an additional cost of 3000, and up to 1,680 can be spent on more lavish SSDs. The Panther 5D is one of the most versatile laptops in the world: the cheapest configuration costs 2,723, and the most expensive machine without any peripherals costs a wallet-busting 15,562.
Accessories add to the cost. An extra battery is 143, second power adapters start at 166, and a car adapter is 59.
Overall
Eurocom's Panther 5D is a remarkable bit of kit. It's got more application and graphical power than every laptop we've reviewed, a great 3D screen, and a chassis so robust you'd think it was practically bomb-proof. The miniscule battery life, extreme dimensions and bank account-breaking price mean the Panther is restrictive in other departments, and it's only suitable for those who demand huge levels of power inside a machine more portable than the average desktop. It's an award-winner, but it's not for everyone.
Verdict
The Eurocom’s extreme price means that this machine will only appeal to a small niche of people, but stratospheric levels of poweracross the board means it’s ideal for those who want to carry out 3D video production, mapping, medical imaging and industrial design. Just don’t expect it to be an easy system to live with: it’s 74mm thick, weighs 5.5kg, and its battery barely lasts for an hour.
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Processor: Intel Xeon E5-2687W Graphics: 2 x Nvidia GeForce GTX 780M RAM: 32GB DDR3 Storage: 240GB Crucial M500 SSD; 1TB Hitachi Travelstar 7K1000 hard disk Screen: 17in 1,920 x 1,080 3D Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Ports: 3 x USB 3, 2 x USB 2, eSATA, FireWire, DVI-I, HDMI, DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, SD card slot, Smart Card slot, 4 x audio Dimensions: 419 x 286 x 74mm (WxDxH) Weight: 5.5kg (6kg) Warranty: 1yr RTB
