Technology Review

From do-everything sport watches to the latest MP3 players, runners have always appreciated how technology can elevate the running experience. Here are some of this season’s top electronic picks. 

::GEARBOX
Forerunner 405  $350
Garmin
GPS-enabled watches can be cumbersome. While most runners are glad to have the watches’ training and tracking features, they don’t enjoy having a watch the size of a small brick strapped to their wrist. The new Garmin Forerunner 405 solves this dilemma by combining features like time, distance, pace, calories and heart rate in a sleek watch that won’t scream fashion victim. Not content to be just a pretty face, the Forerunner 405 also packs powerful training features like running against Garmin’s Virtual Partner or a previously recorded personal run. Runners can wirelessly transfer all the training information to a computer for further review.

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iControl  $150 
Timex
With the wireless iControl, runners can quickly and easily adjust the volume and playback on their iPod directly from their Timex Ironman iControl watch. The system works seamlessly, eliminating the need for stopping to change tunes, and only requires plugging the iControl into most iPod Nanos and iPods. The watch also delivers many conventional features, including a 50-lap timer, interval timers and a training log for storing best lap and average lap times.  

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Fitness Tracker  $125
Timex 
The Fitness Tracker is a new wireless pedometer for measuring distance, pace and calories burned. The system works by tracking daily activity and transmitting the information to Timex’s Ironman Fitness watch – a great motivator for losing weight and improving fitness. A countdown timer, lap timer and dated training log round out the features on this versatile fitness tool. 

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N82 – $680
Nokia 
Initially, the N82 looks like any other modern do-all cellphone. There’s a built-in camera with an exceptional Carl Zeiss lens, WiFi compatibility, a digital scrapbook, a GPS receiver – heck, it even makes phone calls. None of these features are revolutionary, but when coupled with Nokia’s Sports tracker online mapping service, runners can record their runs with the GPS and upload the information and any photos to the site. Three website security options allow selective sharing of the running tracks with friends, family and the public.

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JB200i Bluetooth Stereo Headset  $160
JayBird
Most Bluetooth MP3 headsets eliminate awkward cables, but because of their bulky size and awkward shape, they’re better suited to poolside lounging than running. Thankfully, the new JB200i Bluetooth is slim, sleek and hugs the ears, freeing runners from the tangles of cable earbuds. The design offers a surprisingly secure fit, and with a variety of adaptors, works with most MP3 players and cellphones. Sound quality is above average, but the over-the-ear design interferes with some sunglasses. This is a minor quibble, though, and shouldn’t deter runners seeking cable-free music.

::GEARBOX
SE102MPA  $116
Shure
Designed for the new generation of iPhone-style phones, the SE102MPA delivers excellent sound, blocks outside noise, and with the inline microphone, accommodates incoming and outgoing phone calls. Although this last feature may not appeal to all runners, it’s invaluable for those who need constant contact with the office or family members.

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Custom 2  $270
Klipsch
With five sizes and two shapes of patented Contour Ear Gels covers, the Custom 2 earbuds insure a personalized fit and great external noise cancellation. Klipsch’s unique and minimalist flexible ear wires boost earbud stability during intense training and are compatible with most sunglasses. Delivering excellent sound reproduction and a highly tunable fit, the Custom 2’s are a top choice for runners unwilling to compromise music quality during their training.

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iPod Nano  $!70 (8GB), 220 (16GB)
Apple
The last generation Nano had plenty of fans, but the boxy shape and small screen left many design-conscious runners wishing for the original rectangular iPod and a larger screen. It seems Apple listened to these concerns as the newest Nano uses a sleeker rectangular form with a larger screen that instantly adjusts between portrait and landscape mode. An innovative accelerometer feature accesses the Nano’s shuffle mode by simply shaking the unit. Multiple colour options and strong focus on environmentally friendly materials and construction will solidify the new Nano’s popularity among music-loving runners.

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NWZ-S730F  $150
Sony
The new thin and light S-series Walkman MP3 players deliver some appealing and innovative features. Starting with a sleek, low-profile shape, Sony adds a 6 cm colour screen for easy music navigation and exceptional movie playback. Sony preserves sound quality with its noise cancelling technology and comfortable headphones. Other interesting features include a SensMe function that creates music playlists based on a song’s speed, mood and rhythm, and the option to customize the screen with 10 pre-installed wallpaper images or uploaded photos.