I use the speedometer and cadence meter more on the trainer than on the road. I have a heart rate monitor that I've hooked up occasionally, but overall if I start out in a relatively high resistance on the trainer and keep up 16-18mph average for an hour (with intervals), I'll burn about as much as my outside 22 mile 1hr:20min workout.
Inside I blow a big fan on me to cool off and stand occasionally whether I need it or not. To pass the time I listen to music and watch closed caption TV. It's still boring, but not as boring. I'd rather be outside, but not in January.