PC Moderator, the hardware solution for computer addicts?

[Everlost_MI]

Gamecloud (http://gamecloud.com/) has posted a blurb (http://gamecloud.com/omg.wtf?lolz=2326) about a new piece of hardware called PC Moderator. The device hooks into the VGA or DVI port and when the timelimit for any of the eight different users that can be programmed into the device, the video display is shut off.

Here's a bit about it from the product's website: (http://www.pcmoderator.com/)

The PC Moderator™ is a small electronic device that plugs into and locks on the VGA (or DVI with optional adapter) video display port of virtually any desktop computer to help parents monitor and limit computer use. It restricts use by shutting off signals to the display (connected to the PC Moderator) when your child is not allowed or has exceeded the time limits you have set. The PC Moderator contains its own battery-backed clock and electronic controls enclosed in a compact 18 gauge stainless-steel case. Since it operates virtually independent of the computer, it is compatible with all operating systems and applications (including stealth web monitoring software) and cannot be easily hacked or disabled.
Thoughts? Comments?

[TheKeck]

Sounds like it might be useful for when I have kids. Then again, I would have hated my parents if they had done such a thing to me, so I'll have to think about it. :)

[Vermillion]

I'm all for limiting their time, but I also think it would suck to cut a kid off midgame because the buzzer went off. I mean how would any of us like it if you were in the middle of playing and it just cut off on you?

This is just one of things that if a parent just took a little freakin time to work with their kid, it wouldn't have to be so harsh.

[TheKeck]

I'm all for limiting their time, but I also think it would suck to cut a kid off midgame because the buzzer went off. I mean how would any of us like it if you were in the middle of playing and it just cut off on you?

This is just one of things that if a parent just took a little freakin time to work with their kid, it wouldn't have to be so harsh.

Yeah, I agree. The more I think about it, the more I'm sure I would never use something like this.

[Nesta]

They'll have to pry the mouse from my cold, dead fingers.

[nonchalance]

Think it's a lot more useful for psychological addicts than for kids.

An egg-timer is all I'm going to use for my kids. At least, they must be given the opportunity to save their games. To do otherwise is cruel and unusual.

[slink-jadranko]

If it turned my monitor off I'd remove it and stamp on it. It would just piss me off, it wouldn't stop me using the computer.

[BleedTheFreak]

Think it's a lot more useful for psychological addicts than for kids.

An egg-timer is all I'm going to use for my kids. At least, they must be given the opportunity to save their games. To do otherwise is cruel and unusual.

Yeah, I have two little ones that both enjoy games, and so far my son only plays for 15-45 min at a time on his own, with a brand new rental, then by the next day he's back to jumping off couches.

It seems to me that a "timer" should be the parent, not a device. Don't get a device just to avoid being the "bad guy" just tell the kid get off the PC/Console or whatever when you think he or she has been on long enough for the day.

Also, the promise of an afternoon of relaxing games can be quite a motivator to do chores and such, FTW!

[Rommel]

Jason Ludwig's parents were involved in the invention of this product.

[BleedTheFreak]

Jason Ludwig's parents were involved in the invention of this product.

The musician?

[NeuroMan42]

I can quit whenever I like. I am NOT an addict. I... I... just like to have casual fun. ;)

[PSyMastR]

Why not just unscrew the damn thing.

[DeadPixel]

My parents noticed I spent too much time playing Dune 2 in High School and took my keyboard away from my 368 machine. Then they caught me launching and playing Dune 2 from Windows 3.11, 100% mouse driven game.

When Master of Magic came out the following year, all hopes were lost.

[Amalor]

Wow another device to make people feel like they are really parenting when they are either simply indifferent to their childs problem (if they have one) or just assholes (commonly mistaken for parenting).

[cppcrusader]

Why not just unscrew the damn thing.

I thought the same thing but then I looked at the installtion guide.

http://www.pcmoderator.com/quicksetup.htm

You can't simply unscrew it. The screws are on the inside of the casing which is held closed by a padlock. I'll be my dad wished he'd had this back in the day. When he'd ground me and my brother he'd take away computer priveliges. He thought he was real clever when passworded the screensaver to keep us off the computer, but he forgot that if you do a hard reboot then you can easily get past that.

[Phhhh]

I think Jason Ludwig was the guy who played too much EQ and killed himself... or something...

[lpmiller]

I have a great idea for a similar product. It's called I Get Off My Ass And Tell The Kid To Get Off Computer.

[mister_slim]

I have a great idea for a similar product. It's called I Get Off My Ass And Tell The Kid To Get Off Computer.
But Getting Off My Ass is strenuous.

[Deadend]

But Getting Off My Ass is strenuous.
Buy a cellphone!

[Taco]

It will force your kid to do what I did when my parents started messing with my system.

Get a job and buy your own ;).

Bought my first two full systems(1k for one, 2.5k for the other) on a $5.50 and $6.25 an hour wage when I was 15 and 17. Worth every penny.

[Nite_Moogle]

Would be nice for limiting time while your kids are home alone but can't seem to get off the computer. I know it would have been good for me growing up.

[The Iron Weasel]

As much as I would have hated my parents for this, I wish they had done it. I slacked off so much in high school, and looking back on it, it was because of my addiction. It was really apparent when I bought Rome: Total War, I had a magazine to make, and instead of working on a project that was worth 25% of my mark, or doing my homework, or studying. I was playing Rome: Total War, seriously I was glued to the moniter.

[A Lusty Alien]

Ok, ok, first of all, I'm not a parent. That being said, I think the best way to control how your child uses a computer is by putting it in a public part of the house where everybody can see what s/he's doing.

[DeadPixel]

Ok, ok, first of all, I'm not a parent. That being said, I think the best way to control how your child uses a computer is by putting it in a public part of the house where everybody can see what s/he's doing.

You know what? That is not only the cheapest solution, but also the best! Very good post.

[Madmordagen]

You know the thing is that when new blocking technology like this comes out the kids always focus all their energy on getting around it! i was a real game addict in high school and when my parnets would try to get me to study they would either knick the keyboard of the broadband cable :p which i had spares of both! i know how sad but hey, had to fuel the addiction!

[Taco]

When CD-Rom drives first came out as an external drive and a caddy, my Mother would unplug the whole CD-Rom drive and hide it from me.

No Tony Larussa baseball for me :(.

[BleedTheFreak]

I was a real game addict in high school ... broadband cable...

What was that, 2 or 3 years ago for you? When *I* was a kid, my parents would hide the Colleco Vision controllers from me so I couldn't play Cat and Mouse! Then when I was in jr. high I had my Atari and NES controllers hidden away so I couldn't play Joust and Mighty Bomb Jack!

[Magnanimous Gnome]

I used to be addicted to games, but now that addiction is more geared towards the net, especially this damn site. I can't even tell you guys how many hours I waste (no offense) on EA everyday - it really is sad. I cut myself off of the net entirely for 7 months, but here I am again!

[Kyle Jones]

Why not just have the computer be in the living room/master bedroom, so when your kids had his fill of computing, you just kick him out? Better yet, give him a laptop, and then after an hour or so of use, go bug him to stop and stuff.

[The Iron Weasel]

Yeah, I have to say, I check this site way too often, eagerly anticipating the next reply!