If you're looking to limit the amount of time your children spend on any one electronic device (like a video game machine, television or computer) without fighting them about it all the time, BOB from Hopscotch Technology might be something you should check out. The idea is simple - control the power to the device and you can control how much your kid can use it. My full review is after the jump.
The way it works is, you plug the power cord of the device you want to limit into the BOB, where it gets locked up with a key. Then you plug the BOB into the outlet, and BOB determines how much power flows through to the device. Everyone who wants access gets their own password and account on BOB, and the parent sets usage time limits for each account. You can also set up blocks of time when the device can't be used at all as well as add time on the fly if you want to reward your child (or let them finish a movie for instance).
I was able to use one for a couple of days and, although my children are still too young to use it, I have to say it works pretty well. When the time limit is almost up it gives a loud annoying beep for a minute, warning you to finish up what you're doing before it shuts things off automatically. There is even a feature that allows for devices that need to have power running to them all the time (like a computer). In that mode BOB monitors the power flow to the device, and if there is an increase (when you turn the device on) it sends a minute warning and then shuts the power down if you don't log in. It will even report back to the parent that the device was turned on without permission.
With usage reporting for the parent as well as the ability to add flex time, I have to say it seems they've though of every feature a parent could possibly want. Keep in mind the device will only work with things that need to be plugged in (so it won't work with a Nintendo DS or a PSP for instance) and it only works with the power cord. If the device you're using has a removable power cord (like a video game system), it would be possible for an enterprising teenager to just buy another power cord and keep it hidden. But other than that extreme scenario, if you're looking to let your child manage the time you give them with a television or similar device, BOB might be for you.
BOB from Hopscotch Technology is available for $78.87 from Amazon.com
