Control your iPod with ease while you're out running

Score

• 4 / 5

For

• Easy-to-find, big buttons
• One size fits all
• Wireless control
• Lightweight
• Simple to use

Against

• No iPod carry pouch

Verdict

This is a great idea from Belkin. SportCommand is a remote that slips around your arm and sends out signals to a Belkin receiver, which docks into the iPod's sync port.

The idea is that you head out onto the roads to do some exercise and control the iPod with a slap of your arm, instead of fiddling about. It works with any iPod that has a dock connector port (all iPods since April 2003), and both the remote control armband and receiver come in the package. The five controls are play/pause, volume up, volume down, forward track, and back track.

The receiver is wireless, so there's no extra cable mess to deal with. The range of signal seems strong and we found that it easily covered a two-metre range; we had no trouble getting commands through. After you load a flat battery (supplied in the box) into the foot of the remote, it takes a few moments for the remote to automatically find and connect to its paired receiver.

The only problem with this device is that it doesn't come with a carry pouch for an iPod. You'll need a secure pocket or separately purchased arm strap. The popular Nike arm pouch won't work, either, as you need to have an access point for the receiver to dock.

As the device is on your arm, the buttons on the remote sometimes need a second press to get commands through, especially if you're bouncing up and down at the time. Also, the remote isn't completely waterproof, despite being stitched into a fabric lining. It's a thin sliver of technology, covered by a Velcro-attached sleeve. It is splash-proof though, and Belkin recommends cleaning it with a wet cloth and a bit of a scrub. It can be positioned anywhere on your arm, but the strap is too short to fit around your chest or leg.

If you're a sporty type, this could be just the ticket. It works better than we expected and is comfortable to wear.

Specification