Star Labs stands out as a visionary company with an unwavering focus on Linux-powered solutions. Guided by a passion for open-source principles, the company empowers users to embrace customization, security, and performance through its diverse lineup of devices.
As the demand for versatile and Linux-powered tablets continues to rise, the StarLite 5 steps onto the stage with a bold statement of intent.
Combining the flexibility and customization options of the Linux operating system with the sheer horsepower of the Intel N200 CPU, the StarLite 5 tablet promises an experience that caters to both casual users and tech enthusiasts alike.
StarLite 5 Highlights
StarLite 5 tablet is powered by Intel Alder Lake N200 1GHz quad-core CPU (Turbo Boost up to 3.70GHz), equipped with 16GB of 4800MHz LPDDR5 RAM, 512GB Gen3 PCIe SSD (up to 2TB optional), Intel UHD Graphics, and 12.5-inch (2880x1920px) 3K touchscreen display.
The device has a built-in 38Wh battery providing up to 12 hours of run time and comes with a 65 watts USB-C power adapter that can plug into either of the two USB ports.
In addition, the device has two (rear and front) 2K cameras, dual digital microphone, and stereo speakers.
Connectivity-wise, the tablet supports WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, has 2 x USB-C 3.2 ports, a Micro HDMI port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack.
Optionally, the device can be ordered with a detachable backlit keyboard (+$101) with snappy scissor mechanisms that turns it into a (almost) full-featured laptop replacement. The keyboard’s supported international layouts include US English, UK English, French, German, Nordic, and Spanish.
However, something that sets the StarLite 5 apart is the operating system and software.
The tablet relies entirely on open-source software and firmware (rather than traditionally used BIOS/UEFI) in the face of Coreboot and EDK II, delivering a lightning-fast and secure boot experience and endless customization capabilities to tailor the firmware to your needs.
On top of that, the manufacturer offers the device preinstalled with a choice of a rich array of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu 22.04, Kubuntu 22.04, Xubuntu 22.04, elementary OS 7, Linux Mint 21.2, Manjaro 22, MX Linux 23, and Zorin OS 16.3.
In addition, StarLite 5 can also be ordered with Windows Home or Professional, as well as without an operating system installed on it, leaving the choice for this entirely in your hands.
You can refer to the manufacturer’s website for more detailed information about the tablet. StarLite 5 is available for pre-order, starting at $498, with an estimated delivery time between 8 and 9 weeks.
I found this tablet when watching The Linux Experiment news wrap-up video from YouTube. I’m so happy to see an x86 CPU on a Linux tablet. ARM may have its advantage on battery life, but desktop software support is still not on par with x86. This is a spiritual successor to the Google Pixel Slate as it was the last ever Chromebook tablet with an x86 CPU to this day. Even with Windows 11, it still can give Microsoft Surface Go 3 a serious run for its money since the highest configuration you can have with it is 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
However, I do think StarLabs can go for a better CPU. N200 might sound good enough for everyday use, but Pentium Gold 8505 and U300 cost the same as N200 ($193 RRP), yet they both have Hyper-Threading, Thunderbolt 4 support, and faster integrated GPU. I’m hoping the 6th gen of StarLite can have a better x86 CPU.
Does it have Digitizer support? Without real digitizer (like on a surface, a thinkpad tablet/yoga or an ipad) it is worthless for me.
StarLite Mk IV owner here. I love that well-designed device with its coreboot firmware and updates through lvfs, and it’s nice to see a successor that has the three things I’m missing a bit in the Mk IV – 16 instead of 8 GB RAM, a faster processor and a touch-capable monitor. Unfortunately, as a tablet rather than a clamshell laptop design it loses all its attractivity for me. I wouldn’t ever use it without the keyboard anyway, and a tablet plus keyboard attachment simply doesn’t handle as nicely as a laptop. It needs more space on the surface it sits on, is less flexible in adjusting the screen angle, and can’t even be carried as comfortably, with the screen part having most of the the weight and not being permanently fixed to the keyboard. While I’m happy for everyone who finds their dream device in the new Mk V, I keep hoping for a clamshell successor to the Mk IV to appear some day. Thankfully, there need be no hurry, as the Mk IV is still good for most of my applications…
But going for tablet form means that I can get 2-in-1 practicality that a laptop cannot get. There are times where I don’t want to use the keyboard and just want to use the touch screen. Also, there’s no guarantee if a laptop can sit well on your lap.
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