Eurocom rolls out workstation-class X8100 Leopard laptop
By Donald Melanson 
posted June 16th 2010 2:49PM
posted June 16th 2010 2:49PM
Demand a bit more from your laptop than mere mortals do? Then you might want to give Eurocom's new workstation-class X8100 Leopard some consideration. Apparently designed for gamers and engineers alike, the X8100 packs an 18.4-inch 1920 x 1080 display, a Core i7 Extreme processor, your choice of a slew of different high-end graphics options in single or SLI / CrossFireX configurations (including the ATI HD5870 and NVIDIA GTX 480M), and up to four SATA-300 hard drives in various RAID configurations for up to 3TB of storage -- to name just a few standout features. Of course, the laptop does also weigh twelve pounds and has a price tag that's on a need-to-know basis -- but can you really put a price on five different LED color options? Head on past the break for the complete press release, and hit up the gallery below for a closer look at the laptop itself.
Eurocom Launches 18.4-inch Workstation-Class Gaming Notebook with ATi HD5870 CrossFireX, NVIDIA GTX 480M Fermi, Quadro FX 3800M, RAID 0/1/5/10 and Intel Core i7 Extreme
Eurocom, the world's leading developer of highly personalized, high-performance notebook PCs and LCD PCs, is pleased to introduce the EUROCOM X8100 Leopard Mobile Workstation with HD5870 CrossFireX and GTX480M. The EUROCOM X8100 Leopard provides workstation-caliber performance, powerful graphics capabilities, high performance storage with four physical SATA-300 hard drives and RAID 0/1/5/10, and super-powerful Intel i7 Extreme Processor for high-end computing whether it be work or gaming.
The EUROCOM X8100 Leopard Gaming Workstation combines Eurocom engineering, Intel horsepower, and professional NVIDIA graphics in a package that can easily handle demanding engineering and visualization workloads. It delivers 64-bit workstation-class performance and functionality in a mobile form factor with laptop convenience, anywhere you go. It is designed to replace traditional desktop based workstation by providing "anywhere you go workstation" capabilities.
Featuring two ATi Radeon Mobility HD5870 running in CrossFireX, a single GTX480M or an assortment of other NVIDIA GeForce and Quadro cards running in single or SLI configurations the X8100 can offer the perfect graphics configuration for any task.
There are FIVE different NVIDIA graphics cards supported: the GeForce GTX 285M or GTS 360M both with 1GB of DDR3 video memory, the GTX 480M with 2GB of DDR5 for high-performance PC gaming; and Quadro FX 2800 or Quadro FX 3800M with 1GB of GDDR3 for those looking for the ultimate high-performance workstation.
Because users can select a single graphics card or two in NVIDIA SLI/ATI CrossFireX, the X8100 offers the ultimate in gaming performance and image quality. With two of the fastest NVIDIA GeForce/ATI Radeon GPUs or a NVIDIA Quadro GPU, this new graphics powerhouse is the ultimate mobile gaming and workstation machine.
EUROCOM X8100 Leopard utilizes MXM-IIIb (Mobile PCI Express Module) for easy upgradeability to new generation of graphics technology. By using a consistent mechanical graphics interface in the form of high-performance MXM-IIIb, Eurocom is able to introduce a variety of innovative PCI Express graphics solutions as quickly as desktop PC graphics.
For the hardcore PC user (gamer or engineer alike), this means the EUROCOM X8100 Leopard provides blistering fast response times that are sure to turn heads.
The EUROCOM X8100 Leopard supports all of the latest ISV workstation applications in a wide range of vertical segments including Computer Aided Design (i.e. AutoCad), Computer Aided Manufacturing (i.e. Pro/Engineer), Computer Aided Engineering (i.e. SolidWorks), Geographic Information Systems (i.e. ESRI ArcGIS), and Digital Content Creation (i.e. Discreet 3DS MAX).
At the heart of the system is the Intel Mobile i7 quad-core CPU, which delivers exceptional high-def multimedia, multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance. This high-performance CPU allows users to simultaneously run multiple applications at the same time -- all with increased performance. Performing tasks such as burning CDs, reading email messages, editing digital photos and listening to music all at the same time with no slow downs means a richer overall experience for the user.
In order to accommodate the 18.4" display, the X8100 features a large, robust chassis. The X8100 measures 17.52"x 11.2"x2.56" (438x438x64mm) 15.8" x 11.9" x 2.05" and weights under 12lbs (5.35kg).
The X8100 also supplies tremendous storage (almost 3 Terabytes using four hard drives), allowing users to save more of their favorite photos, music, games, and more, as well as headroom to install additional office and entertainment applications. Customers may also choose between RAID 0/1/5/10 for the ultimate transfer rates and application load times or redundancy.
Additional features include: integrated webcam; Bluetooth and Wireless N A/B/G/N networking; internal TV HDTV Tuner and theatre audio system for a truly immersive experience.
EUROCOM X8100 Leopard supports variety of 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems including Microsoft Windows 7 and XP, Microsoft Server 2008, Red Hat, Ubuntu, and other Linux distributions.
One of the EUROCOM X8100's unique features is its LED lighting system. This system enables users to customize the color illumination of hotkeys, front and rear cooling vents, touchpad surround, and the back cover logo. Color options include blue, green, red, white and yellow.
With the exception of the LED lighting the case looks rather simple and elegant. The wedge-shape of the base unit, which lets the chassis appear thin, contributes to this impression.
In terms of I/O capabilities the X8100 leaves little to be desired. In total 4 USB ports are available, one of which is a combined eSATA/USB interface. In addition you'll find a DVI-port and two HDMI ports (HDMI-in and HDMI-out).
The left side houses the DVI port, 2x USB 2.0, HDMI, Card Reader, LAN-port, a FireWire port, the optical drive, and an ExpressCard slot.
The right side provides an antenna port (for the optional TV-card), 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB2.0/eSATA, Kensington security and the audio ports.
To augment the full-size keyboard the X8100 includes eight "G" keys, which can be assigned to perform macros or be bound to other keys. This offers enhanced capabilities for gamers and professionals alike.
The touchpad looks very attractive, because it is flush with the chassis and even has the same high-gloss surface.
Above the keyboard the X8100 is equipped with a number of LED-backlit, touch sensitive hotkeys, which can be used to control volume, wireless networking, and color illumination, as well as being able to launch frequently used applications.
The X8100 is equipped with an 18.4-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (FULL-HD) with maximum brightness of 220 cd/m² and maximum contrast of 595:1.
The X8100 clearly focuses on built-in hardware. You could nearly come to the conclusion that the case was designed around the planned hardware equipment afterwards. That is no surprise as the case should be able to house contemporary and coming high-performance processors and also up to two graphic cards and believe it or not up to four hard drives.
The EUROCOM X8100 Leopard supports variety of Intel Mobile processors up to i7 Extreme 940XM with a clock rate of 2.13 GHz.
Thanks to the system's modular design, upgrading or replacing components such as CPU, memory, hard drives, or graphics cards is a quick and simple operation.
With a total of four hard drive bays, which can be populated with 2.5" inch hard drives/SSDs, the X8100 offers storage capabilities beyond any other notebook. So if you select mechanical hard disks the X8100 can easily exceed two terabytes of storage capacity. This massive expandability also enables SSDs and HDDs to be used in tandem, as well as enabling enhanced RAID functionality.
EUROCOM X8100 Leopard is high-performance, fully upgradable and configurable mobile workstation solution for the professional user powered by Intel Core i7 and Core i7 Extreme Mobile processors and NVIDIA high performance Quadro and GeForce video cards with SLI support. Whether you're a designer developing the latest automobile, a 3D artist working on the next blockbuster film, engineer, software developer, scientist, gamer, or a financial trader on Wall Street, EUROCOM X8100 Leopard workstation class solution deliver unmatched power and performance.
Eurocom, the world's leading developer of highly personalized, high-performance notebook PCs and LCD PCs, is pleased to introduce the EUROCOM X8100 Leopard Mobile Workstation with HD5870 CrossFireX and GTX480M. The EUROCOM X8100 Leopard provides workstation-caliber performance, powerful graphics capabilities, high performance storage with four physical SATA-300 hard drives and RAID 0/1/5/10, and super-powerful Intel i7 Extreme Processor for high-end computing whether it be work or gaming.
The EUROCOM X8100 Leopard Gaming Workstation combines Eurocom engineering, Intel horsepower, and professional NVIDIA graphics in a package that can easily handle demanding engineering and visualization workloads. It delivers 64-bit workstation-class performance and functionality in a mobile form factor with laptop convenience, anywhere you go. It is designed to replace traditional desktop based workstation by providing "anywhere you go workstation" capabilities.
Featuring two ATi Radeon Mobility HD5870 running in CrossFireX, a single GTX480M or an assortment of other NVIDIA GeForce and Quadro cards running in single or SLI configurations the X8100 can offer the perfect graphics configuration for any task.
There are FIVE different NVIDIA graphics cards supported: the GeForce GTX 285M or GTS 360M both with 1GB of DDR3 video memory, the GTX 480M with 2GB of DDR5 for high-performance PC gaming; and Quadro FX 2800 or Quadro FX 3800M with 1GB of GDDR3 for those looking for the ultimate high-performance workstation.
Because users can select a single graphics card or two in NVIDIA SLI/ATI CrossFireX, the X8100 offers the ultimate in gaming performance and image quality. With two of the fastest NVIDIA GeForce/ATI Radeon GPUs or a NVIDIA Quadro GPU, this new graphics powerhouse is the ultimate mobile gaming and workstation machine.
EUROCOM X8100 Leopard utilizes MXM-IIIb (Mobile PCI Express Module) for easy upgradeability to new generation of graphics technology. By using a consistent mechanical graphics interface in the form of high-performance MXM-IIIb, Eurocom is able to introduce a variety of innovative PCI Express graphics solutions as quickly as desktop PC graphics.
For the hardcore PC user (gamer or engineer alike), this means the EUROCOM X8100 Leopard provides blistering fast response times that are sure to turn heads.
The EUROCOM X8100 Leopard supports all of the latest ISV workstation applications in a wide range of vertical segments including Computer Aided Design (i.e. AutoCad), Computer Aided Manufacturing (i.e. Pro/Engineer), Computer Aided Engineering (i.e. SolidWorks), Geographic Information Systems (i.e. ESRI ArcGIS), and Digital Content Creation (i.e. Discreet 3DS MAX).
At the heart of the system is the Intel Mobile i7 quad-core CPU, which delivers exceptional high-def multimedia, multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance. This high-performance CPU allows users to simultaneously run multiple applications at the same time -- all with increased performance. Performing tasks such as burning CDs, reading email messages, editing digital photos and listening to music all at the same time with no slow downs means a richer overall experience for the user.
In order to accommodate the 18.4" display, the X8100 features a large, robust chassis. The X8100 measures 17.52"x 11.2"x2.56" (438x438x64mm) 15.8" x 11.9" x 2.05" and weights under 12lbs (5.35kg).
The X8100 also supplies tremendous storage (almost 3 Terabytes using four hard drives), allowing users to save more of their favorite photos, music, games, and more, as well as headroom to install additional office and entertainment applications. Customers may also choose between RAID 0/1/5/10 for the ultimate transfer rates and application load times or redundancy.
Additional features include: integrated webcam; Bluetooth and Wireless N A/B/G/N networking; internal TV HDTV Tuner and theatre audio system for a truly immersive experience.
EUROCOM X8100 Leopard supports variety of 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems including Microsoft Windows 7 and XP, Microsoft Server 2008, Red Hat, Ubuntu, and other Linux distributions.
One of the EUROCOM X8100's unique features is its LED lighting system. This system enables users to customize the color illumination of hotkeys, front and rear cooling vents, touchpad surround, and the back cover logo. Color options include blue, green, red, white and yellow.
With the exception of the LED lighting the case looks rather simple and elegant. The wedge-shape of the base unit, which lets the chassis appear thin, contributes to this impression.
In terms of I/O capabilities the X8100 leaves little to be desired. In total 4 USB ports are available, one of which is a combined eSATA/USB interface. In addition you'll find a DVI-port and two HDMI ports (HDMI-in and HDMI-out).
The left side houses the DVI port, 2x USB 2.0, HDMI, Card Reader, LAN-port, a FireWire port, the optical drive, and an ExpressCard slot.
The right side provides an antenna port (for the optional TV-card), 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB2.0/eSATA, Kensington security and the audio ports.
To augment the full-size keyboard the X8100 includes eight "G" keys, which can be assigned to perform macros or be bound to other keys. This offers enhanced capabilities for gamers and professionals alike.
The touchpad looks very attractive, because it is flush with the chassis and even has the same high-gloss surface.
Above the keyboard the X8100 is equipped with a number of LED-backlit, touch sensitive hotkeys, which can be used to control volume, wireless networking, and color illumination, as well as being able to launch frequently used applications.
The X8100 is equipped with an 18.4-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (FULL-HD) with maximum brightness of 220 cd/m² and maximum contrast of 595:1.
The X8100 clearly focuses on built-in hardware. You could nearly come to the conclusion that the case was designed around the planned hardware equipment afterwards. That is no surprise as the case should be able to house contemporary and coming high-performance processors and also up to two graphic cards and believe it or not up to four hard drives.
The EUROCOM X8100 Leopard supports variety of Intel Mobile processors up to i7 Extreme 940XM with a clock rate of 2.13 GHz.
Thanks to the system's modular design, upgrading or replacing components such as CPU, memory, hard drives, or graphics cards is a quick and simple operation.
With a total of four hard drive bays, which can be populated with 2.5" inch hard drives/SSDs, the X8100 offers storage capabilities beyond any other notebook. So if you select mechanical hard disks the X8100 can easily exceed two terabytes of storage capacity. This massive expandability also enables SSDs and HDDs to be used in tandem, as well as enabling enhanced RAID functionality.
EUROCOM X8100 Leopard is high-performance, fully upgradable and configurable mobile workstation solution for the professional user powered by Intel Core i7 and Core i7 Extreme Mobile processors and NVIDIA high performance Quadro and GeForce video cards with SLI support. Whether you're a designer developing the latest automobile, a 3D artist working on the next blockbuster film, engineer, software developer, scientist, gamer, or a financial trader on Wall Street, EUROCOM X8100 Leopard workstation class solution deliver unmatched power and performance.
Should it really be called a laptop at 12 pounds?
@tosvus Maybe "Dragtop"?
@tosvus seeing as it will always be on a table they should call it a deskt.... oh wait....
@tosvus Why not just buy a desktop at this point.
@mark29
I don't really see the point of this laptop.
Okay fine, 'portability' but!
It's really heavy, how you expect me to carry this, and put it in my backpack?
Alright, some people might say it's powerful, but hell, you could get a better desktop than this at the same price point. If you want power, go for the desktop. Laptops are meant to be portables, they are 'desktops on the go'.
But with the fermi inside, yeah this is an oven.
I guess, this is for the niche market.
Maybe, it should be called the deskbook?
@tosvus
It's a lugable for sure.
However I would take this over a desktop still because it packs up easily. Try bringing your screen, case, keyboard, mouse and assorted cables around with you. I'll take the all-in-one box.
@nando2323
... Because a desktop weighs an extra 40 pounds, can not be moved easily, will not fit under your arm and does not have any sort of power source when unplugged (not that this will last very long, just long enough?)
"When already at X you might as well get Y" is such a dumb question. I'm already buying a BMW so I might as well get a Ferrari instead. I'm already having a kid so I might as well try to beat the Octomom. There are limits to what people want.
@Dafrety
you will NEVER be able to beat the octomom in terms of lack of intelligence.
@tosvus : it comes with Xenon headlights! :O
@tosvus
My Dell XPS M2010 is 18 pounds. XD
@tosvus It's more a mobile desktop. For those people who move around a lot and need to work at point A and B.
Normal laptops with long battery life are to work whilst traveling from A to B.
@tosvus
Honestly, I have to say i'm tired of people saying that laptops with excessive size should just be called (or replaced with) desktops. Then I always ask, how many people do you see randomly pull out their desktop pc and monitor in a public place? Not very many.
@seanGadget Theyre most likely jealous that this would either wreck the shit out of their laptops/desktops, or theyre just too poor, in which case they shouldnt be looking at much less commenting on badass workstation laptops.
@Paul Elmy
The point is not so much portability as mobility, as in: you can take it from place to place with ease.
For a second, the title is misleading.
@Paul Elmy
Made me think Psystar were back.
Waiting for Snow Leopard.
@st louis lookin dude
Haha forget it, the first mac with a GPU like GTX285 wont come before 2015
@mnhthebest
What? Are you kidding me?
High-end gpus won't come to macbooks EVER.
I don't know why, but apple's website still boasts about Need for Speed Carbon. It's old.
@Paul Elmy
What I meant was that by 2015 the 285 will reach mainstream status and the macbook will include a similar chipset. And need for speed carbon? lol big time!!!
it probably could increase it's battery life by an hour if it got rid of all those stupid led lights. no engineer wants a ricer laptop
They seriously need to stop making the palm rests so glossy/fingerprint friendly. Matte is the way to go.
Hence called workstation
This is just a Clevo notebook, it's hardly Eurocom that's introducing it. Falcon Northwest, Sager, XoticPC, Digital Storm, etc all use Clevo and Compal ODM notebooks for gaming laptops.
@Prevacator
I was thinking the same thing. This is hardly a story I would think Engadget should cover, as this same exact laptop has been released by many other companies. The only thing Eurocom has to go on for originality is that they are listing the new i7's as options (to obviously be available at a later date). But it can't offer anything that the other company's computers can offer, as they all have the same mobo's and BIOS and all that jazz.
oh wow, leopard, makes sense! a typical leopard pattern case.
and the glossy softbox effect on the screen is a pretty unique idea, never saw such a thang on a IT related product.
In the laptop world.
Everything else = Car
This = DumpTruck
the true purpose of this is as blunt murder weapon/ bench press weight when combined
@jjrp123 Or to iron your shirts, by the heat.
Nerd-GASM
"Eurocom rolls out [...]"
No wonder they ROLLED it out, it's an OSHA violation to have just one person CARRY it out...
12 lbs. and no USB3???????? cmon!!
I think it important to point out that the processor in this machine is not your typical notebook processor... it is the desktop version (MUCH more powerful)
@robamb2002 is that true?
The scariest part of this isn't the weight, although I'll need to hit the gym more than the LAN-party, is the PRICE!!
I played with the configuration and tricked out it's over $7500 Cdn. For that sort of coin a desktop would be far cheaper. I could maybe even hire some guy to lift it with the savings!
@NoOneSpecific
It is pretty though. You have a typical SONY power button, similar LED lights to my current Asus machine, a gorgeous screen, but the keyboard looks very Alienware.
Pretty piecemeal I hope it holds up.
@NoOneSpecific
Nah, not pretty... it's way too shiny.
A matte finish (screen and case) would look way more pro...
Laptop or space heater ?
This one really scares the crap out of my cheap desktop replacement notebook!
This IS a workstation. Only difference is it's taking up a lot less space. It's obviously not going anywhere.
Does it have a hole I can put my penis in?
I wish to have illegal sexual relations with it.
Does it come with a 48 cell battery that you carry around in a backpack?
Why, when they have that much space to play with, have they squished the number pad and doubled up on the navigation keys?
I do love that glowing line delineating the touchpad.
Where's the dual 480m option? I'm only seeing a single card. Someone needs to update the article. I don't think they're selling SLI versions of it.
Hmm, the Sager looks much better and cheaper actually. Better processor, RAM and everything. Odd
@sirisian
The Clevo X8100 also seems to lack SLI, and only has options for three HDs.
I have a Gateway P-6831FX from March/April 2008 when the 8800m GTS first came out.
It weighs 9-10 pounds.
Honestly, it's not that heavy... My 13" MacBook weighs 4-5 Pounds...
You're talking twice the weight but also with a Keypad + 17" screen!!!
People would have to hold one for themselves to realize it's not THAT heavy.
Anyways... I'll wait until the next Generation of nVidia Cards (2012 as 2008 was the monster 8800 series year and 2010 is the "truly new" 400 series as they kept renaming the 8800 die) and I will have a MBP + Custom PC.
Why, on earth, does it have those awful bright blue lights? So I can use this at work and look like a thirteen year old spotty boy who has had a succesful taste removal procedure, or a dremel toting 'modder'?
Also. Shiny plastic palmrests? No thanks.
That keyboard layout makes me want to kill someone.
On the other hand, I really welcome the idea of being able to choose the colour of the damn LEDs. Down with blinding blue crap!
@ralesk also... what's with those glowy things on the left? Why are they taking space from the keyboard?