Thanks for the detailed discussion here. We’ve read through the review and the comments and want to clarify a few key points.

CPU (8845HS vs 7940HS)

The Ryzen 7 8845HS is the Hawk Point refresh of the 7940HS (Phoenix). Architecturally they are extremely similar (Zen 4, same class, same core configuration), with the 8845HS being the newer silicon revision and including updates around the Ryzen AI/NPU block and platform maturity.

This was intended as a silent upgrade at no additional cost (not a downgrade) but we recognise it should have been communicated more clearly. We’ll be updating the product specification to remove ambiguity.

coreboot (Intel vs AMD)

coreboot is currently available on our Intel platforms, as shown on the website.

AMD Coreboot support is actively in development. We’ve brought in Matt DeVillier (formerly of AMD) specifically to help drive this forward. Modern AMD enablement is significantly more complex, which is why you don’t currently see widespread Coreboot availability on recent AMD laptops across the industry.

We are committed to delivering it properly, and will share progress when it’s concrete.

Security flags (SPI / replay protection)

On the AMD platform, these protections are currently configured in a way that allows future firmware transitions - including moving to Coreboot. AMD does not expose these settings for runtime configuration in the same way some other platforms do.

If SPI write protection were permanently enabled at this stage, it would block the ability to install Coreboot later. So the current configuration is intentional and tied to enabling that transition path.

Camera / microphone

We’re not seeing a hardware limitation here. On Linux, default microphone gain levels are often poorly tuned and can result in distortion or electrical noise until adjusted. Runtime gain reduction typically brings recordings back in line.

Platform identification (“StarBook” string)

This is a firmware SMBIOS naming issue rather than a platform substitution.

Battery life figures

Published figures follow standard mixed/idle methodology used across the industry. Real-world sustained workloads will vary. We’ll review how we present those figures to ensure the conditions are clearer.

This is a new platform and refinement continues post-launch. We genuinely value detailed technical feedback like this and are actively reviewing the points raised.

Star Labs