Dear Qubes Community,
It is our pleasure to announce that the [Star Labs
StarBook](https://starlabs.systems/pages/starbook) is [officially
certified](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/certified-hardware/) for Qubes OS
Release 4!
## The Star Labs StarBook
The [Star Labs StarBook](https://starlabs.systems/pages/starbook) is a 14-inch
laptop featuring open-source coreboot and EDK II firmware. In addition, the
StarBook is currently the *only* Qubes-certified computer with out-of-the-box
support for `qubes-fwupdmgr`, a new feature in Qubes OS 4.2 that allows Qubes
OS to securely update the computer's firmware.
[](https://starlabs.systems/pages/starbook)
The Qubes developers have tested and certified the following StarBook
configuration options for Qubes OS 4.X:
| Component| Qubes-certified options |
| | |
| Processor| 13th Generation Intel Core i3-1315U or i7-1360P |
| Memory | 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB RAM |
| Storage | 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD|
| Graphics | Intel (integrated graphics) |
| Networking | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX210 (no built-in wired Ethernet) |
| Firmware | coreboot 8.97 (2023-10-03) |
| Operating system | Qubes OS (pre-installation optional) |
[](https://starlabs.systems/pages/starbook)
The StarBook features a true matte 14-inch IPS display at 1920x1080 full HD
resolution with 400cd/m² of brightness, 178° viewing angles, and a 180° hinge.
The backlit keyboard is available in US English, UK English, French, German,
Nordic, and Spanish layouts.
[](https://starlabs.systems/pages/starbook)
The StarBook includes four USB ports (1x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB 3.0,
and 1x USB 2.0), one HDMI port, a microSD slot, an audio input/output combo
jack, and a DC jack for charging. For more information, see the official [Star
Labs StarBook](https://starlabs.systems/pages/starbook) page.
[](https://starlabs.systems/pages/starbook)
## Special note regarding the need for `kernel-latest` on Qubes OS 4.1
Beginning with Qubes OS 4.1.2, the Qubes installer includes the `kernel-latest`
package and allows users to select this kernel option from the GRUB menu when
booting the installer. If you purchase a StarBook with Qubes OS 4.2
preinstalled, you don't have to worry about this, as Qubes OS 4.2 is confirmed
to work with the default kernel option and does not require `kernel-latest`.
However, if you plan to install Qubes OS 4.1 on the StarBook, please be aware
that you will have to select this non-default option.
## About Star Labs
In short, we're just a bunch of geeks. Back in 2016, Star Labs was formed in a
pub. We all depended on using Linux, all with different laptops and all with
different complaints about them. It always perplexed us that a laptop had never
been made specifically for Linux. Whilst many had been "converted" to run Linux
- they seldom offered the experience that macOS and Windows users had. So,
after a few pints, we decided to make one. [Read the full story on the Star
Labs website.](https://us.starlabs.systems/pages/about-us)
## What is Qubes-certified hardware?
[Qubes-certified hardware](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/certified-hardware/) is
hardware that has been certified by the Qubes developers as compatible with a
specific [major release](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/version-scheme/) of Qubes
OS. All Qubes-certified devices are available for purchase with Qubes OS
preinstalled. Beginning with Qubes 4.0, in order to achieve certification, the
hardware must satisfy a rigorous set of [requirements], and the vendor must
commit to offering customers the very same configuration (same motherboard,
same screen, same BIOS version, same Wi-Fi module, etc.) for at least one year.
[Qubes-certified
computers](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/certified-hardware/#qubes-certified-computers)
are specific models that are regularly tested by the Qubes developers to
ensure compatibility with all of Qubes' features. The developers test all new
major versions and updates to ensure that no regressions are introduced.
It is important to note, however, that Qubes hardware certification certifies
only that a particular hardware *configuration* is *supported* by Qubes. The
Qubes OS Project takes no responsibility for any vendor's manufacturing,
shipping, payment, or other practices, nor can we control whether physical
hardware is modified
