StarFighter

Update

No further updates this week. Whilst waiting, we have uploaded a small clip to Twitter this week! More to follow.

May 26, 2023 11:01
Update

Production is progressing consistently, and we are seeing significant improvements in parts availability compared to last year. Only a few components have seen a delay, and the ones that have been, have only suffered minor delays.

For anyone who's ordered an AMD variant, look away! For anyone who's ordered an Intel variant, the good news is that the 13th Generation Raptor Lake processors were available in time. For anyone who had yet to ask before ordering, this was the plan from the start; as they are pin-to-pin with the 12th Generation, we could install either one without changing anything else. Everyone with an existing order will get these at no extra cost.

The same is possible for AMD fans, but unfortunately, it would cause a significant delay. Should everyone with a pre-order want us to wait for the new ones, we're happy to, but it would need to be unanimous.

We have had to make two minor adjustments to the components used in the StarFighter. These are minor, but the details are below for those who are interested:

Sound Card:
Due to unavailability, we have replaced the ALC269-VB6 sound card with the ALC256-CG. While these cards are similar, the ALC256-CG has a killer feature: 7 hardware equalizer bands. These bands are configurable from the firmware, either coreboot or AMI. We'll add a few present profiles to the firmware for launch, and as always, be open to requests for more options and profiles.

QHD Displays:
The Grade-A BOE displays we initially planned to use are fortunately unavailable; it's only fortunate, as, for the first time, we've secured Grade-A+ displays. It's the highest level, the best of the best, ensuring an even better visual experience.

The only other noteworthy element is a minor change to the chassis; during the pre-production testing, we identified an issue with the speakers and the magnetic switch for the camera slot. We have made a small interior change to resolve this by adjusting the speaker's location and moving the killswitch module further down the chassis. This adjustment has eliminated the problem. We will soon receive a chassis with this new layout and share images showing improvements. Additionally, we will provide a demonstration of the camera as requested by several customers.

We will send out the layouts for those who have ordered custom keyboards shortly. We initially began sending these but many customers needed clarification regarding editing and customization. We have since added notes and layers to simplify the process. Keyboard etching is one of the last production steps, so we have time to get these out.

As for how close we are to the first ones shipping out, we are approximately two months behind. The following week will refine this timescale and reign it back in. We'll send the conclusion along with the chassis details and keyboards as soon as possible.

May 5, 2023 08:40

StarLite Mk IV

Update

Very limited stock with UK keyboard layouts available. US keyboard layouts are now sold out.

May 26, 2023 10:50
Update

Due to component shortages, we can't make any more StarLite Mk IVs. We currently have limited stock with UK Keyboard layouts available for next-day dispatch.

May 4, 2023 13:18

Byte Mk II

Update

We have put the feelers out this morning via Reddit (voting poll active), where you can vote between the two options (below) for the upcoming Mk II:

Two choices but only one can stay. With the poll active for the next seven days, we would love to see what you think!

May 26, 2023 10:21
Planned

Preparations for the Byte Mk II are being finalised; we should have news next week on the specification and lead times.

May 4, 2023 13:15

StarBook Mk VI

In-progress

Still on track for the latest estimation of the 3rd of July (production completion). With that said, we do have extremely limited stock for the 12th Gen, i5-1240P variant (UK keyboard layout only).

May 26, 2023 10:35
In-progress

Production for the next batch of StarBook Mk IVs is already underway; minor revisions include a Grade-A+ display, 13th Generation Intel processors and Thunderbolt 4 ports (Intel variants only). The current estimated completion date for production is the 3rd of July.

We do have limited stock with the 12th Generation Intel processors that are available with next-day shipping.

May 9, 2023 08:38

System Statuses

In Production Byte Mk II

1 update

Limited Availability StarBook Mk VI

1 update

In Production StarFighter

1 update

Low Stock StarLite Mk IV

1 update