Star Labs’ 16-inch Linux-exclusive laptop ships with coreboot/edk II open firmware, PEO chassis, haptic trackpad, removable webcam, and up to 64 GB LPDDR5X.
Key Takeaways
Processor options span Intel Core Ultra (two tiers) and AMD Ryzen 9 8845HS; memory is LPDDR5X at 7500MT/s, soldered BGA despite marketing images suggesting socketed.
Display is 16-inch 4K (3840x2400) IPS at 120Hz, 625 nit, true matte with oleophobic coating and 16:10 ratio.
Webcam is magnetically removable and stores inside the chassis, eliminating the need for a notch while keeping thin bezels.
Firmware posts in 0.76s via coreboot; LVFS delivers 5-year updates for BIOS, EC, and SSD; open warranty permits disassembly, part swaps, and custom OS/firmware without voiding coverage.
Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports, WiFi 6E, BT 5.3, HDMI, three USB-A 3.0 ports, and Micro SD.
Hacker News Comment Review
Commenters flagged a spec accuracy issue: the product page shows a socketed-RAM motherboard image but ships soldered LPDDR5X, and the same image appears on Star Labs’ mini PC page.
CPU generation lag is a concern; at least one commenter noted the processor lineup is one-to-two generations behind current releases, with Star Labs defenders citing startup supply chain constraints as the practical explanation.
The removable webcam is seen as a clever privacy and bezel tradeoff rather than pure gimmick, though full-size cursor key uniformity (no size distinction in the arrow key row) drew ergonomics criticism.
Notable Comments
@zamadatix: flags motherboard image mismatch, questions the price delta between 8845HS and 285H configs exceeding the cost of some complete 8845HS systems, and notes inability to opt out of bundled accessories.
@wtallis: asks directly whether anything here is new given two-generation-old Intel and one-generation-old AMD options.
