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I know this is probably a little late for scottlamers, but if you've got the money to spend on one, the temperature controlled models do have a number of advantages. Everyone talks about getting a low wattage iron. This is to prevent over heating of the things surrounding a solder joint. A low wattage iron takes a while to get up to temperature and has difficulty with bigger joints. A temperature controlled iron actually has quite a bit higher wattage but maintains the temperature it should with a thermostat. This means that when it is cold, it goes full throttle until the set temperature is attained. Then it throttles back to just enough average wattage to maintain the proper heat. Like wise when you try a larger joint, the throttle opens up again and acts like a higher wattage iron, but again only maintaining the desired temp. The only drawbacks I have ever found with them is a cord from the base to the iron that you wish is longer on occasion and the price.
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