Photo: Starlink | Edited
Now that we have internationally available satellite internet for what can be considered a reasonable cost, it feels like this service was always there. That's what happens when remaining connected permanently becomes the norm. But Starlink understood it could not stop improving its product. That's why it launched a new dish. Here's what you need to know.
The standard Starlink satellite dish looks much fancier now. Sadly, it is not the rumored "mini" version people might have expected. The refreshed product looks like a cutting board or a simple white panel that can integrate almost anywhere. You could turn it into an outdoor design piece. It has the potential to become a neat visual addition to almost any home. Just make sure nothing is obstructing its access to the sky.
The rectangle is now slightly more energy efficient because the robotic post and the arm are gone. The latter was useful because it automatically adjusted the dish's position to better communicate with the satellites. Now, there are no moving parts.
However, better efficiency doesn't automatically translate into lower energy consumption. If you're a traveling or off-grid user, be aware that the new design might consume two times more energy than the previous model. It's rated at 75-100W!
But those two parts might not be missed. More real estate is beneficial. The larger footprint allows for more sky tracking, meaning adjustability is less important going forward. The new dish comes with a 10% better field of view, so the kickstand should be everything you need in most situations.
Still, Starlink admits that some manual orienting might be needed occasionally. Exactly how often customers will have to ensure a link with a satellite is anyone's guess.
At the same time, it's worth pointing out that the "High Performance" version of the product retains the superior 140-degree field of view.
This terminal will spend most of its time outside, but SpaceX improved its waterproof capabilities and wind speed functionality. It can keep a steady connection even when air moves at over 60 mph.
Temperature is also no worry because the rectangle will work just fine when it's pretty cold (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) or too hot (122 degrees Fahrenheit). It can also melt up to 1.5 inches of snow per hour.
New cables and sturdier ports join Starlink's new dish. Customers will also find the Gen 3 Wi-Fi 6-enabled router with a built-in Ethernet port. That eliminates the need for another dongle.
The new "Standard" dish and the old one with actuators have the same price of $599. That is a one-time payment customers make for the hardware. However, the former can be obtained solely on an invite-only basis in the US. The company might have more testing to do before turning the new design into the de facto form factor.
The rectangle is now slightly more energy efficient because the robotic post and the arm are gone. The latter was useful because it automatically adjusted the dish's position to better communicate with the satellites. Now, there are no moving parts.
However, better efficiency doesn't automatically translate into lower energy consumption. If you're a traveling or off-grid user, be aware that the new design might consume two times more energy than the previous model. It's rated at 75-100W!
But those two parts might not be missed. More real estate is beneficial. The larger footprint allows for more sky tracking, meaning adjustability is less important going forward. The new dish comes with a 10% better field of view, so the kickstand should be everything you need in most situations.
Still, Starlink admits that some manual orienting might be needed occasionally. Exactly how often customers will have to ensure a link with a satellite is anyone's guess.
At the same time, it's worth pointing out that the "High Performance" version of the product retains the superior 140-degree field of view.
This terminal will spend most of its time outside, but SpaceX improved its waterproof capabilities and wind speed functionality. It can keep a steady connection even when air moves at over 60 mph.
Temperature is also no worry because the rectangle will work just fine when it's pretty cold (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) or too hot (122 degrees Fahrenheit). It can also melt up to 1.5 inches of snow per hour.
New cables and sturdier ports join Starlink's new dish. Customers will also find the Gen 3 Wi-Fi 6-enabled router with a built-in Ethernet port. That eliminates the need for another dongle.
The new "Standard" dish and the old one with actuators have the same price of $599. That is a one-time payment customers make for the hardware. However, the former can be obtained solely on an invite-only basis in the US. The company might have more testing to do before turning the new design into the de facto form factor.
Google News