Munbyn IRT09: 30-second review
The Munbyn IRT09J Rugged Windows tablet couldn't be anything other than tough, with its large screen surrounded by a rubberised plastic edge and all buttons and ports either sealed or sealable to ensure a water resistant design. Even the small fan is been water resistant although this doesn't mean it can be submerged under water.
Installed with Windows 11 Pro, the tablet is fast and responsive, thriving on the work-focused platform. The large 12.2" screen is surprisingly easy to navigate. At the same time, the touchscreen isn't as sensitive as some tablets, which actually works in its favour for the intended market.
Scrolling through spreadsheets and typing up reports is smooth and fluid, with a little configuration for the pop-up on-screen keyboard required initially to enable an easy workflow. The screen is incredibly well-balanced, and colour and contrast can all be adjusted through the Windows OS.
When it comes to web browsing, the tablet is once again fast, connecting and rendering web pages quickly. Likewise, a quick check and catch-up with YouTube and Netflix showed that video playback is well-handled. Focusing back on work, a quick Google Meet and Teams call to check in went well, with the tablet picking up audio and the small speakers pushing out just enough sound to make it workable.
We've hand-tested many of the best rugged tablets, and while the machine might not have the processing power to play games more involved than Solitaire, this is, after all, a work-focused tablet rather than one for recreational purposes. To that end, the tablet is tough, surviving being soaked in water and dropped from a height, so it should stand up to working life.
Munbyn IRT09J: Price and availability
- How much does it cost? Price on application?
- When is it out? Available now
- Where can you get it? You can get it directly from Munbyn.
Currently, the Munbyn IRT09J Rugged Windows Tablet is available exclusively through Munbyn, primarily for business purchases. The pricing varies based on quantity, but for individual units, the cost is approximately $1000 or £800.
- Value: 3 / 5
Munbyn IRT09J: Specifications
Munbyn IRT09J: Design
- Robust
- Touch Screen
- Interchangeable Battery
Like the best rugged smartphones and the best rugged laptops, the Munbyn IRT09J is unmistakably tough, with a rubberised plastic surround dotted with water resistant covers to help keep everything inside dry.
While the outer design is tough with an aesthetic that emphasises this feature, the build quality is aimed at everyday professional users needing a durable tablet in relatively safe environments.
The plastic finish offers ample protection against dusty, uneven surfaces, and the tablet can withstand dirt and dust without much concern. If it gets dropped or soaked, scenarios that would typically damage even the best business tablets, the Munbyn IRT09J Rugged Windows Tablet can withstand these knocks.
The touchscreen interface of Windows 11 Pro is quite good, with the 12.2-inch screen providing sufficient space for easy navigation and selection. The screen's responsiveness is adequate for professional use, even if not as sensitive as a smartphone or consumer-level tablet.
The included pen offers a faster, more precise way to navigate the touch screen, which is particularly beneficial for those with larger hands.
Typing documents and working with Excel sheets is smooth, although the automatic pop-up of the keyboard can occasionally fail. However, a shortcut to the keyboard on the taskbar solves this issue, and the pop-up keyboard, covering about half the screen, has decent-sized buttons that respond well to typing.
Handling the tablet is facilitated by four connection points for the fabric hand grip, allowing easy operation while walking or on location. There are also various accessories for vehicle mounting and carrying, including back straps, shoulder straps, and a docking station.
Other notable handling features include the fingerprint access pad for easy login and five quick access buttons on the side, including a scanning button that, with the right software, enables barcode scanning using the front or rear cameras.
- Design: 4 / 5
Munbyn IRT09J: Features
- Intel JASPER LAKE N5105 Processor
- Windows 11 PRO
The MUNBYN IRT09J Rugged Windows Tablet is a robust tablet designed for professional environments, not consumer use. It features a 12.2-inch Full HD IPS screen with a brightness of 650 nits, making it an ideal solution for outdoor use. Powering the IRT09J is an Intel JASPER LAKE N5105 processor with a clock speed of up to 2.9GHz, which is more than sufficient for all Microsoft Office and equivalent tasks for which the tablet is designed.
As standard, the tablet comes equipped with 16GB RAM and a removable SSD (128GB standard, with options up to 512GB). Access to the SSD is through one of the water-resistant covers that are securely fastened on the back of the machine. To ensure the robustness of the design, the tablet features a water resistant fan and a large finned heat sink, contributing to its excellent heat dissipation capabilities.
Wireless connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and optional 4G and NFC. For navigation and location-based tasks, it includes GPS/Glonass support. The dual battery system, featuring a large 6300mAh battery alongside a smaller 700mAh unit, provides extended usage without frequent charging.
In terms of ruggedness, the IRT09J meets MIL-STD-810G standards. It has an IP65 rating, ensuring durability against drops, extreme temperatures, and environmental conditions that would be beyond the survivability of most other laptops and tablets. It also includes a range of ports and expansion options, such as USB 3.0, Type C, HDMI, and options for Ethernet, RS232, and QR code scanning, enhancing its utility in various industrial scenarios.
The tablet features a 5MP front and 8MP rear camera setup, suitable for capturing detailed photos and videos in the field. Its design is user-friendly and functional, with a capacitive touch panel that supports multi-touch and is responsive even in demanding situations, including rain.
The IRT09J's versatility is further enhanced by its range of optional accessories, including adapters, car chargers, vehicle mounts, and docking chargers, making it a highly adaptable device for industries like warehousing, logistics, aerospace, and healthcare.
- Features: 4 / 5
Munbyn IRT09J: Performance
- Relatively slow
- Low graphics scores
The Munbyn IRT09J Rugged Windows Tablet is designed with the industry in mind, and its processor and graphics performance align well with the intended market. While the tablet might not achieve the high-performance scores expected of a mainstream device, the scores it has achieved are well-rounded and ideal for anyone prioritizing office duties over gaming or creative applications.
The graphics and processing speeds were moderate, which essentially means that most modern games are unplayable, with single-digit frame rates at best.
When it comes to office duties, the processor, graphics, SSD, and RAM align with the ideal requirements and operate smoothly, with a PC Mark score of 2232. While this score is on the low side, it's in line with a desktop PC from 2016 and more than sufficient for most warehouse and field administration work.
On the performance front, where this tablet excels is with its durability and additional features. Being able to swap out the battery is a major feature; other tablets might allow for fast charging, but when you're on-site, what you need is instant power. Likewise, the inclusion of hand grip mounts for single-handed operation, a quick scan button, and front and rear cameras all add up to a valuable feature set for industry use.
Then there's the robustness, drop-proofing, and water resistance, which, while they don't add to the machine's speed, do enhance its overall performance as a work tool.
The water resistance is a great feature, and through the test survived a moderated soaking in rain and at the end of a hose spray, however, the IP65 rating means that while this device is water resistant it is not waterproof so cannot be submerged under water.
When wet the touch screen stops functioning due to the capacitative design, however, once wiped dry the functionality returns.
After a particularly heavy dousing of water, there was some sign of water ingress when removing the battery. So while the tablet can withstand more than most you should still be careful when using it in particularly heavy rain.
- Performance: 3 / 5
Munbyn IRT09J: Verdict
The Munbyn IRT09J Rugged Windows Tablet is a sturdy and reliable device tailored for professional use in challenging environments. Its 12.2-inch screen, robust Intel processor, ample RAM, and sizable SSD make it adept for a range of tasks, particularly in outdoor, warehouse, and industrial settings.
While it may not be suited for high-end gaming or creative tasks, its performance in office-related applications is solid. The tablet's standout features, like its durable build, water resistant design, interchangeable batteries, and tailored accessories, underscore its utility in professional scenarios. If you need a rugged, dependable tablet for work rather than entertainment, the Munbyn IRT09J is an excellent choice, offering good value in its niche.
Should you buy a Munbyn IRT09J?
