SpaceX’s new Starlink Mini, a compact satellite internet dish designed to fit in a backpack, promises to bring portable high-speed internet to remote areas and outdoor enthusiasts.
As seen in ZDNet and Tom’s Guide reviews, the Starlink Mini enables users to stay connected in previously inaccessible locations, from remote campsites to off-grid cabins, revolutionizing the way outdoor enthusiasts experience and share their adventures.
Compact Design and Portability
The Starlink Mini’s compact design and portability are its standout features. Measuring approximately 11.75 inches x 10.2 inches and weighing just over two pounds, the device is about the size of a laptop, making it easy to fit into a backpack1. This significant size reduction from the standard Starlink dish enhances its versatility for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and those requiring internet access in remote locations. The Mini’s durability is also noteworthy, with an IP67 dust and water-resistant rating and the ability to function in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 122°F, ensuring reliable performance in various environmental conditions.
Technical Specifications
The Starlink Mini boasts impressive technical specifications that make it a versatile and powerful portable internet solution. Here are the key technical details of the device:
- Dimensions: Approximately 11.75 inches x 10.2 inches x 1.45 inches thick1
- Weight: Just over 2 pounds
- Power consumption: The Starlink Mini operates within an energy-efficient range of 25-40 watts on average. This power consumption level allows for extended use in various environments while maintaining optimal performance. The device’s ability to function within this power range contributes to its versatility as a portable internet solution, making it suitable for both short-term and long-term deployments in remote or off-grid locations.
- Download speeds: Up to 100 Mbps
- Latency: As low as 23ms
- Built-in Wi-Fi router1
- IP67 dust and water-resistant rating
- Operating temperature range: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C)
- Connectivity: Includes a single Ethernet port next to the power connector1
- Power input: DC powered
- Additional components: Kickstand, pipe adapter, power supply, and USB-C cord with barrel jack
These specifications highlight the Starlink Mini’s compact design, robust performance, and durability, making it suitable for various outdoor and remote applications.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at $599, the Starlink Mini is currently offered as an upsell to existing Starlink residential service customers1. The device comes with a monthly subscription fee of $30 for the Mini Roam service, which includes a 50GB data cap, with additional usage charged at $1 per gigabyte. While initially available in select South American countries and on a limited basis in the US, SpaceX aims to expand availability and potentially reduce prices in the future. Elon Musk has touted the Mini as a “great low-cost option,” suggesting it may become more accessible as production ramps up.
Performance and Power Efficiency
Boasting impressive performance for its size, the Mini can achieve download speeds of up to 100 Mbps with a remarkably low latency of 23ms, as demonstrated in a speed test shared by Elon Musk. This compact device consumes only 25 watts on average, a significant reduction from the 75-100 watts required by the standard Starlink dish. The power efficiency, combined with its ability to support multiple 4K video streams simultaneously, makes the Mini an attractive option for users seeking high-performance internet access in remote or mobile settings.
Source: Perplexity
