Star Labs has officially launched the StarFighter, a premium Linux laptop built for developers, privacy-focused users, and open-source fans who want powerful hardware with deeper customization options than most mainstream laptops offer.
The 16-inch StarFighter is now available to order after facing several production delays since its original announcement back in 2022. With this launch, Star Labs is entering the growing premium Linux laptop market alongside brands focused on repairability, open-source firmware, and long-term device ownership, including recent Linux-focused notebook launches.
The StarFighter uses a magnesium alloy chassis with a micro-arc oxidized finish and comes in multiple hardware configurations. Buyers can choose between Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, and AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor options, alongside the broader expansion of Core Ultra laptop hardware this year, along with up to 64GB of LPDDR5X memory running at 7500MT/s.
The laptop’s 16-inch display is one of its greatest features, especially as high-refresh-rate high-resolution panels continue expanding into premium notebooks. A 3840 × 2400 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16:10 aspect ratio, and brightness levels up to 625 nits is included in the premium version. For those who prefer smoother motion over better resolution, Star Labs also has a lower-tier 2560 × 1600 display with a quicker refresh rate of 165 Hz.
Star Labs is putting a strong focus on privacy and firmware transparency with the StarFighter. The laptop runs open-source firmware based on Coreboot and EDK II, giving users far more low-level system control than most Windows laptops and even many Linux notebooks currently available, particularly for users focused on firmware transparency. The company also includes features like secure boot, measured boot, BIOS locking, TPM 2.0 support, and Intel Management Engine disablement on supported Intel models.
One of the more unique features is the removable magnetic webcam. The 1080p camera can be physically detached when it is not being used, which helps address privacy concerns while also allowing Star Labs to keep the display bezels slimmer. The modular design also makes future replacements or upgrades much easier compared to permanently built-in laptop webcams.
A solid-state haptic glass trackpad with pressure-sensitive feedback, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 connectivity, numerous USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI output, and a microSD card reader are additional hardware features. Dual PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSD slots allow for storage expansion.
Battery life is rated for up to 18 hours with the 80Wh battery, and the laptop supports USB-C Power Delivery charging. Star Labs also includes a compact 65W USB-C GaN charger that is designed to be easier to carry while traveling.
The StarFighter puts a strong focus on repairability and long-term ownership, reflecting wider interest in user-serviceable premium laptops. Star Labs says users can service the laptop, install different Linux distributions, change firmware, and replace parts without voiding the warranty. Linux users can also receive firmware updates through the Linux Vendor Firmware Service (LVFS), making long-term maintenance much easier.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 setup with 32GB RAM and a 2560 x 1600 display starts at about $1,878. Higher-end models with a 4K 120Hz monitor, 64GB RAM, and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor cost about $2,843. Depending on local availability, some AMD Ryzen setups can cost even more.
The launch also highlights the growing demand for premium Linux laptops that combine modern hardware with open-source flexibility, privacy-focused features, and better long-term repairability. While Linux laptops still remain a smaller market compared to Windows ultrabooks and Apple MacBooks, devices like the StarFighter are helping the category move further into the premium computing space.
Source: Star Labs
