Getting to Know the StarLite Mark V

8 October, 2024

I didn’t need a new device. But in the latter part of 2023 I heard that StarLabs, the makers of my current laptop, was about to manufacture a Linux-powered convertible computer. When that news reached my ears, I immediately knew I wanted one. I mean, a Linux-powered device that I can use as a tablet! How could I resist?

But resist I did, even though it was mere token resistance. After a couple of days of vacillating, I put in my order. The StarLite Mark V took a while to get to me thanks to manufacturing delays, supply chain and global shipping problems, and an overwhelming number of units the folks at StarLabs had to prep once all that was sorted. But in early July, 2024 the device finally landed in my hands.

I’ve been using the StarLite Mark V extensively over the last 10 weeks or so (as of the time of writing this post). Let’s take a look at it.

Before We Get Started

A quick note of thanks to the team at StarLabs. Not just for taking the chance with building the StarLite Mark V but for persevering through all the ups and down in the process to make it a reality.

And additional kudos to them for putting up with my giddy impatience to get my hands on the device. Yes, I was that excited …

Before anyone asks, you’re not getting an unboxing video or photos. I don’t go in for that silliness. I have to say, though, that StarLabs’ packaging is first rate.

Specs and Such

You can find all of the details that you want or need at the StarLabs website. Here are the basic specs of the device that I ordered:

Overall, the specs on the Mark V are higher than those of the Mark IV laptop. The device has noticeably more grunt than its predecessor.

I also added the optional detachable keyboard (which doubles as a stand) to my order. More on this in a moment.

StarLabs offers a small number of Linux distributions pre-installed. I decided to go with Ubuntu. Before you crap on my choice of distros remember that it was my choice, not yours. But why Ubuntu? It’s been several years since I’ve used it. I wanted both to get reacquainted with Ubuntu and I thought that it might be a good choice for a touch-based device like the Mark V.

As for the StarLite Mark V itself, it’s very well built. The device looks and feels solid. While a bit heavier than my last tablet, it’s doesn’t feel bulky despite its size. It, and the detachable keyboard, fit comfortably in an old laptop sleeve that I had lying around.

Using the Device

When I ordered the StarLite, I didn’t have a concrete use case for it. I did have some vague ideas about how I’d use it, based on how I used the various tablets I’ve owned over the years. As the delivery date approached, I started thinking a bit more about what I’d do with the StarLite Mark V.

How I Use the StarLite

Let’s divide that into how I physically use the Mark V and what I use it for.

I’ve been using it:

Here’s a photo of the setup I use most often when working:

The StarLite Mark V with stand, keyboard, and mouse

As for what I use the device for, that’s a mix of consumption and creation. The consumption side includes listening to music, watching videos, reading books and articles, and doing an online course or two. The creation side involves writing (including this post), preparing slides using Reveal.js for short talks I’ve been giving, and a few other tasks.

Here’s a typical view of the the desktop when I’m working on the Mark V:

The desktop of the StarLite Mark V while I’m working

I’m definitely not pushing the StarLite Mark V to its limits, but that’s not how I use any hardware. I have a specific set of tasks that I need to carry out. The Mark V handles those tasks smoothly and easily.

Software

Aside from the stock software that comes with Ubuntu, I installed a handful of applications including:

The software — both stock and what I installed — works well. For the most part, anyway. When I’m not using a mouse, some software isn’t as responsive as I’d hoped. That’s probably because said software isn’t optimized for touch. That’s something I hope will change in the future.

The Screen

It’s bright and clear. According to the specs, the screen measures 12.5 inches across with a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels. When I first took the device out of its box, the screen looked and felt a bit bigger than 12.5 inches. I’m going to assume that’s because I’m used to tablets with (much) smaller screens.

In addition to writing, I’ve been reading and watching videos with the StarLite. Doing all of that, I can see everything on screen very clearly. The device’s screen is quite easy on my eyes.

Because I’m getting on in years and have been working with various screens (many of them small) since the 1980s, my eyesight has gradually been getting weaker. I wear glasses when working or reading on any screen, so I’ve bumped up the size of the fonts that I use which also helps with readability.

Looking at the Mark V’s screen for extended periods doesn’t tire my eyes. To help with that, I’ve set the Ubuntu to automatically switch to night mode in evenings.

The Keyboard

To be honest, there were moments before the device arrived in which I regretted ordering the (optional) magnetic keyboard/stand combo. I have a solid aluminium tablet stand, a good portable keyboard, and a compact mouse that I had planned to use with the StarLite. The detachable keyboard seemed at times to be an extravagance. After using it, I’m glad I added the keyboard to my order.

The keyboard is the same size the one on the 13-inch laptop issued by my employer, but the keys are bigger. Those keys are a bit springy and they’re backlit. The trackpad on the keyboard isn’t bad, but it’s not great. That said, I’ve never been fully comfortable with any trackpad on any device.

This is keyboard on its own:

A photo of the keyboard on its own

Here’s what the StarLite Mark V and keyboard look like as a couple:

A photo of the keyboard and the Mark V together

To be honest, I sometimes find it more convenient to use the magnetic keyboard than to set up my tablet stand/keyboard/mouse combo.

Battery Life

This is the one that everyone is curious about, isn’t it?

StarLabs claims that the battery can last up to 12 hours before needing a charge. I’m going to say that battery life depends on a number of factors.

If you have Bluetooth turned on and/or are using resource-intensive application, either or both will take large bites from a charge. Then, of course, there’s the magnetic keyboard. It seems to use up more than a little battery power, especially if you’re using the backlight. You can turn the backlight off if needed.

Admittedly, I don’t use the Mark V constantly — at most, for two- to four-hour stretches. I usually need to charge it after between six and seven or so hours of accumulated use, depending on what I’ve been doing. Keep in mind, though, that I’m not timing my every session with the device so those figures are more estimates than precise timings.

Final Thoughts

The StarLite Mark V is the first Linux-powered device I’ve owned that I can use as a laptop and as a tablet — something for which I’ve been waiting a long time. I’m not disappointed that I bought it. In fact, I’ve quite enjoyed my time with the Mark V and will continue to do so.

Whether it replaces the StarLite Mark IV as my daily driver remains to be seen. However, there are tasks to which exclusively I devote the Mark V; there might be more of those tasks in the future. Keep an eye on this space for updates about that.

— Scott Nesbitt