Munbyn IRT08 Rugged Windows Tablet review

Munbyn IRT08: 30-second review

Note that the item was known as IRT05 Pro but Munbyn informed us of a change in name during the review process

Designed for professionals who work in challenging environments, the Munbyn IRT08 rugged tablet sets itself apart as a reliable and durable computing device. Featuring a 10.1-inch, 450-nit display, it offers a good balance of brightness and contrast for outdoor use. The robustness of this tablet is evident in its design, which is capable of withstanding drops, water, and dust, thanks to its MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certifications.

At its core, the IRT08 is powered by the Intel Celeron(R) N5100 @ 1.10 1.11GHZ processor. We've tested out many of the best rugged tablets, and in our experience, this processor gives a good balance between processing performance and power consumption when running the preinstalled version of Windows 11 Pro. The 5,000mAh battery is capable of providing up to 10 hours of usage and is quickly swappable if more running time is required between charges. 

The tablet's connectivity options are well catered to, including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and 4G LTE, making connecting to online services in and out of the office simple. The addition of GPS functionality is a handy feature for location-based tasks. 

Performance-wise, the Munbyn IRT08's configuration is aimed at typical office and administrative tasks, albeit out in the field. It handles Microsoft Office applications with ease and offers smooth internet browsing. However, it's not designed for gaming or creative tasks that require high-end graphics capabilities. 

While it excels in robustness and functionality for professional use, its specifications are not aligned with the needs of gaming or creative work, making it an excellent option for field-based professionals rather than those working in creative industries or a tough recreational tablet.

Munbyn IRT08: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? Starting from $860?
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? You can get it directly from Munbyn or Amazon.com.

The Munbyn IRT08 Rugged Windows Tablet is available directly from Munbyn.com as part of a larger bulk order for businesses or industries or through Amazon.com as a single unit for $860. It is also available through many other electrical outlets.  You can enquire about large volume orders on rugged tablets on Mumbynscan.com

• Value: 3.5 / 5

Munbyn IRT08: Specifications

Munbyn IRT08: Design

• Robust
• Touch Screen
• Interchangeable Battery

The Munbyn IRT08 Rugged Tablet is a robust device designed for demanding professional environments rather than simple home or office use. The tablet features a durable rubberized plastic exterior and is built to withstand on-site conditions, including knocks and scratches, and is, of course, waterproof.

Compared to the usual slimline design of most tablets, you can see where the focus has shifted onto robustness for the IRT08, with the tablet weighing in at 1.12kg and measuring 27.5 x 18.5 x 2.5cm, far more than most standard tablets.

As you look over the tablet, you'll also discover that doors cover all ports to ensure that the tablet remains watertight, reinforcing the point that this tablet is designed for use in all weather conditions and a multitude of locations.

Ensuring good visibility of the screen in all locations and situations, the tablet features a large 10.1-inch touchscreen with decent brightness that ensures it remains visible in all weather conditions, from bright sunny days to dull and overcast. The touch panel is capacitive with anti-scratch properties, further emphasizing its readiness for tough environments.

The tablet is equipped with a large battery, secured on the back and held in place by a push lock that enables the battery to be removed and replaced in seconds. On the back, there's also a fingerprint pad that users can use to enable fast and easy access to the system.

Additional design features include front and rear cameras (2.0MP front and 5.0MP rear), making it suitable for capturing work-related images and videos. The device also supports OTG, allowing connection to various peripherals such as USB drives, mice, and keyboards, which can be handy if you have larger reports to write.

• Design: 4 / 5

Munbyn IRT08: Features

• Intel Celeron(R) N5100 @ 1.10 1.11GHZ
• Windows 11 PRO 

Like the best rugged laptops and the best rugged smartphones, this tablet is designed for demanding professional settings, where toughness and functionality are paramount. The IRT08's standout feature is the 10.1-inch display, with a 700-nit brightness that ensures visibility in harsh sunlight and shade.

Running on Windows 11 Pro, this tablet offers a familiar operating system tailored for professional use, integrated with a 2.0 MP front camera and a 5.0MP rear camera for fieldwork documentation and video calls.

At its core, the IRT08 is powered by an Intel Celeron(R) N5100 @ 1.10 1.11GHZ processor, supported by Intel HD Graphics and 8GB RAM, ensuring smooth operation of professional applications like Microsoft Office. This differs from the widely available Intel Cherrytrail Z8350 1.44Ghz-1.92GHz model which is widely available online. 

Connectivity is essential for field use, and the IRT08 is equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and 4G LTE, maintaining connection in diverse environments. Its GPS functionality is useful for location accuracy in remote areas.

A standout feature is the tablet's 10,000mAh battery, offering up to 10 hours of use and the ability to quickly swap in a fresh battery, enhancing its professional-grade feature set.

The tablet's durability, both aesthetically and functionally, meets MIL-STD-810G standards, providing resilience against drops, water, and dust – crucial for rugged environments. NFC and a range of ports and interfaces, including USB, HDMI, and RJ45, add to its adaptability, making the IRT08 suitable for construction, warehousing, and field research.

• Features: 4 / 5

Munbyn IRT08: Performance

• Relatively slow
• Low graphics scores

The Munbyn IRT08 Rugged Tablet's performance is tailored to its target market. It offers solid performance and durability that will appeal to professional users looking for a tablet for administration rather than gaming or creative work. 

The IRT08 achieves reasonable benchmark scores for the type of product that it is, indicative of its suitability for office and administrative functions. Its moderate graphics and processing speeds make it clear that it's not designed for the latest or even recently past gaming titles. Still, it excels in tasks like document handling, spreadsheets, and internet browsing, as reflected in its PC Mark score of 2344. 

While this score is modest, it's sufficient for most professional fieldwork and warehouse operations.

Where the IRT08 stands out is in its durability and practical features for field use. Its swappable battery system is particularly beneficial for uninterrupted work, and the hand grip mounts, quick scan button, and camera capabilities add significant value for industrial use.

The tablet's robust construction ensures resilience against harsh conditions, enhancing its reliability as a work tool in challenging environments where most other tablets and laptops would simply break.

The IP65 rating means that the tablet is water resistant rather than waterproof, so submerging the tablet into water will break it. However, subjected to heavy rain and damp conditions the tablet should be fine. In our test the water was spayed at the tablet for 10 minutes from a hose, while the wet meant that the screen wasn't usable due to the capacitive technology, after it was wiped clean the tablet worked fine.

• Performance: 3 / 5

Munbyn IRT08: Verdict

The Munbyn IRT08 Rugged Tablet proves its worth as a reliable and durable choice for professionals in challenging environments. Its standout 10.1-inch, 700-nit display, robust Intel Celeron processor, and substantial 10,000mAh battery make it well-suited for outdoor, warehouse, or fieldwork. 

While it might not cater to gaming enthusiasts or those in creative industries due to limited graphics and storage, it excels in handling administrative and office tasks. The tablet's design, featuring waterproofing and drop resistance, aligns perfectly with its target market. If you're in need of a tough, functional tablet for professional use, the IRT08 is a commendable choice and offers good value in its niche.

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