The new Starlink Mini 2 is finally here, and it brings some highly requested upgrades for people who need internet away from home. The latest portable satellite dish from SpaceX features a built-in, removable battery that snaps right onto the back. Early buyers in the United States can currently order the kit through an invite-only program before a wider release happens later this year.
The new battery gives you hours of off grid power
The biggest hardware change is the swappable battery system. You no longer have to bring a heavy external power station to keep your connection running in the woods. The pack attaches to the dish using a simple quick-release mechanism.
Here are the key details of the new power setup:
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- The battery holds enough charge to run the terminal for up to 4.5 hours.
- You can buy a spare battery pack for just $50 to swap in when the first one dies.
- A row of LED lights on the battery shows you how much juice is left without opening an app.
- It charges through a standard USB-C port using the included 60 W wall plug.
This design choice makes the device much easier to toss in a backpack or carry onto an airplane. By building the power directly into the unit, users get a much simpler setup process.
Faster internet speeds come with a high early price tag
The updated dish gets a nice bump to Wi-Fi 6 technology, which pushes the wireless coverage area out to roughly 1,800 square feet. The physical footprint is a bit thinner than the older model, though it weighs 3.53 pounds when you attach the battery and the built-in kickstand. One downside for some buyers is the removal of the ethernet port, making it harder to use with existing boat or RV networks.
Right now, the pricing is steep because of the invite-only bundle. Early adopters have to pay $999 upfront, but that high cost includes a full year of the Roam Unlimited internet plan. Leaked code on the website suggests the base Starlink dish could eventually cost $249 when it launches for everyone.
The aerospace firm led by Elon Musk expects to start shipping these first orders in mid-December. For now, travelers and campers will have to wait for the public release to avoid that big bundle price. Once the hardware becomes available at its expected retail cost, it should become a highly useful tool for anyone who wants to work or stream video from the middle of nowhere.
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