Star Labs · 2025
Star Labs StarFighter 16
Intel Ultra 9 285H
A coreboot, Linux-only 16-inch with a 4K 120 Hz matte panel, up to 64 GB and an Arrow Lake Ultra 9, from 2843 dollars.
from € 3.100 $2,843 RRP
Buy direct at Star Labs (EU shipping incl.)Shown in EURUSD, switch with the currency toggle in the header. This is an indicative RRP, not a live price.
This is a plain link to the vendor. We earn nothing from it today. Vendor-direct affiliate programmes are not yet enrolled; if one goes live it will be disclosed and will still cost you nothing. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-18.
- Best for programming creative work AI and data work
- Linux: out of box
Scorecard
Mean of six category scores, 0 to 10. Compiled from public sources. How we rate.
Strongest on display, with no category below average.
- Battery 6/10
- Display 9/10
- Build 7/10
- Keyboard 7/10
- Speed 8/10
- Value 5/10
Worth knowing
Stands out
- Linux runs out of the box
- Bright 625-nit screen, readable in sunlight
- 120Hz screen, smoother motion
Watch for
- RAM is soldered, no upgrade later
Linux
Excellent · Best on ubuntu LTS. Confidence: high · How we score
Linux compatibility, per distro
- Ubuntu LTS Out of the box
- Wi-Fi : works
- Bluetooth : works
- Fingerprint : unknown
- Webcam : works
- Audio : works
- Suspend : works
Linux-exclusive vendor: ships Ubuntu, elementary, Manjaro or Mint with coreboot plus edk2 open firmware, no Windows tax. 12 or later for clean iGPU and power, so a current distro release, not an old LTS image.
Show full report
GPU and power, so a current distro release, not an old LTS image. No fingerprint reader. RAM is soldered LPDDR5x, so spec it high at order. The 4K 120 Hz matte panel is the standout.
- Fedora Out of the box
- Wi-Fi : works
- Bluetooth : works
- Fingerprint : unknown
- Webcam : works
- Audio : works
- Suspend : works
Fedora's recent kernels suit Arrow Lake well. Coreboot firmware means no proprietary BIOS blob to fight.
Show full report
Confidence note: this model is newer and niche, so independent long-term Linux reports are thinner than for a ThinkPad.
See the broader picture in the Linux compatibility hub, the full compatibility matrix, and the buying guides.
Specs
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 285H |
|---|---|
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics (integrated) |
| RAM | 64 GB (soldered, not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 1 TB |
| Screen | 16" 3840x2400 @ 120Hz, 625 nitsvery bright, easy in direct sun, smoother scrolling and motion |
| Weight | 1.4 kglight for daily carry |
| Battery | 99 Wh, around 7 h real-world |
Common questions
- Does the Star Labs StarFighter 16 (Intel Ultra 9 285H) work with Linux?
- Yes, on a clean install it works with no tweaking (verified on Ubuntu LTS, Fedora). Linux-exclusive vendor: ships Ubuntu, elementary, Manjaro or Mint with coreboot plus edk2 open firmware, no Windows tax.
- What does the Star Labs StarFighter 16 (Intel Ultra 9 285H) cost?
- RRP is about 2843 USD (3100 EUR in the EU); street price is often lower.
- How heavy is the Star Labs StarFighter 16 (Intel Ultra 9 285H)?
- 1.4 kg (3.09 lb). That's manageable for occasional travel.
- What's the battery life like?
- A 99 Wh pack, around 7 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 6/10.
- Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?
- RAM is soldered, so the 64 GB it ships with is the RAM it dies with. Storage starts at 1 TB on this configuration.
- Which operating systems are supported?
- Ships with Linux.
Ready to buy the Star Labs StarFighter 16 (Intel Ultra 9 285H)?
Prices are indicative. How we make money.
from € 3.100 $2,843 RRP
Buy direct at Star Labs (EU shipping incl.)Shown in EURUSD, switch with the currency toggle in the header. This is an indicative RRP, not a live price.
This is a plain link to the vendor. We earn nothing from it today. Vendor-direct affiliate programmes are not yet enrolled; if one goes live it will be disclosed and will still cost you nothing. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-18.
