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Juggling chainsaws is cool. Juggling your iPod in an attempt to find your favorite tune while trying to maintain a 7-minute-mile lap time? Not so cool. And definitely not easy. In an attempt to streamline workout data with music, Timex has created the Ironman iControl. This device provides useful info for runners: Lap times, speed, and endurance, and it also wirelessly controls audio on your iPod, iPod nano, or iPhone. In theory, this circumvents the need to pull out your ‘pod and adjust music mid-workout. But the iControl has a serious flaw: It won’t jump tracks between artists or albums. Once a playlist is finished, it kicks you back to the main menu, and you’re left fishing out the iPod to get the next soundtrack going again. All of a sudden, juggling dangerous logging equipment while running seems almost appealing. —Miyoko Ohtake
WIRED Design is attractive yet sporty. Comes in six different colors. No extra chargers to lug around; the adapter uses the iPod’s battery to juice up. Three different alarms can be programmed to beep on daily, weekday, or weekend schedules. 50-lap timer spits out your average and best lap times.
TIRED Training for a marathon is easier than figuring out how to use the lap timer. Watch buttons are persnickety, especially on the run. Laggy response on volume controls nearly gave us permanent hearing damage.
$125, timex.com
