You are in:
Editor's Choice
Each month, SGB – Sports and Outdoor Editor Jon Bruford looks at a new or innovative piece of sports or outdoor gear and puts it through its paces. First up is the Timex iControl watch.
What is it?
It's a watch aimed at runners which allows them, through a nifty add-on, to control their iPods via the wristwatch. It comes under Timex's brilliant IronMan watch banner and bears the mark 'Triathlon'; while the watch might make it through a swim, it's unlikely your iPod would.
What's different about it?
A small receiver plugs onto your iPod Nano and away you go, basically. The watch buttons have dual functionality which makes control simple.
The IronMan line is tried and tested and I've had one for training since I started running. That piece of branding should prove invaluable along with the Timex monicker as athletes snap this up.
Design-wise, the wrist strap features more holes so the skin underneath can breathe more. A simple thing, but it makes the watch lighter and over long distances, a fraction more comfortable.
What else do I need to know?
The SRP for iControl is £79.99.
It's almost future-proof as it pairs with the first watch it sees once plugged into the iPod, rather than pairing with the iPod. This also means no confusion in the gym if other people are using the device.
And of course, the watch boasts all the functionality athletes have come to expect from the IronMan range.
Any drawbacks?
Not as such. The buttons are a little stiff, but it's better to need to make a positive press than to skip tracks accidentally.
Its use is also limited to the iPod Nano, it won't work with a Shuffle (and the larger iPods are no good for running anyway!).
Some of the colourways are also quite gaudy, though that's personal taste.
Perhaps in future the makers could consider putting reflective marks on the watch, which would make it even more practical. Overall, a definite hit.
