Timex iControl (Photo Courtesy Timex Canada)

At first glance it appears to be an unassuming watch, but when you look closer, not only will you see date in time, but universal icons for pause/play, forward/back and volume. This is the new Timex Ironman iControl.

Timex has certainly come a long way from “It takes a licking but keeps on ticking,” a slogan created before I was even conceived, yet forever emblazoned in my memory as an image of a watch strapped to the propeller of an outboard motor as it plunges over the Grand Coulee Dam.

I digress. This lightweight sleek piece of electronics is designed to operate as a remote control for any iPod with a docking connector. It ships with a little receiver that attaches to your iPod allowing you to control your tunes without fumbling for the click wheel.

Easy wireless remote

The remote function is easy to use and no major configuration or software installation is required. The wireless receiver is powered by your iPod and syncs seamlessly to it. Simply plug the receiver into your dock connector, make sure the watch is in “time” mode and hit play. A little iPod icon will display on the watch, indicating the connection.

If you are using any of the devices other functions, like the chronograph, you can still control your iPod, but since the buttons are shared, the sequence will vary. The 12-page manual explains it all.

I found the remote to be quite responsive. It’s not Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but rather it operates on a 433 MHz radio frequency. It’s designed to operate to a maximum of 10 feet – if you have really long arms or depending on how much clothing is covering your music player and how much juice your batteries have.

It’s handy when out for a walk or in your car and even works on the fly (when you’re running). I’m happy anytime I can reduce a step in doing anything. I also like that it’s totally wireless with no hand-held remote, unlike Apple’s, which is in-line with your lanyard, but is still something else hanging around you neck.

I really wish there was an easy way to do away with all the little gadgets and doo-hickeys (that’s a technical term for adapters receivers and dongles) that are needed to connect to any wireless device, as I’m always afraid I’d misplace them.

While the device worked flawlessly for me, I would have liked to have seen a control to turn off my iPod and a function for fast-forwarding within a particular track. A future enhancement – maybe?

Also a watch

Did I forget to mention the Timex Ironman iControl is also a full-featured workout watch? It has a 50-lap memory recall chronograph, a multi-mode countdown timer and it also keeps track of your training results. You can customize three alarms with daily, weekday and weekend settings. It features Timex exclusive Indiglo night-light for when you’re in the dark, and if you want to take your iPod for a swim, the Ironman is water resistant to 100m. I’m not sure I’d suggest that, however.

The Ironman’s suggested retail price is $150 (stores may sell for less, of course) and is available now four colours black, black/silver, blue and pink.

Decent bundle

As a package, I think this is certainly a decent little bundle. Speaking purely as a remote control, I find it to be a bit on the pricey side as remotes typically run roughly $50 to $60. However, if you are also in the market for a watch or a tool to help monitor your exercise program and you feel that you’ll use it enough, it’s definitely a bargain – and a great stocking stuffer too.

One last thing. The Ironman is lacking a GGESF - Gadget Guy Electric Shock Feature that sends out a bolt of electricity to tell me to get off my duff, get out from behind my keyboard and go for a run, but oh well!