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I received my Bob 2 weeks ago, and love it. It's easy to program, easy enough for the kids to use, and no more complaining to ME when it's time to turn off the TV. We (8 & 11 year old boys) all agreed on how much time they thought was fair and it's been fantastic. We use the "fly time" (+ or - 15 minutes) to reward for chores, good behavior, etc. I'm back buying another one for the computer. Fantastic tool, well designed and easy to use.
Bob was fairly easy to set up with one of two flat screen tvs.both Samsung, one plasma and the other LCD. Bob worked fine after that but I have to remember to push the "off" button three times to turn off the device and the timer.Obviously, something special to remember just for this TV but not a show stopper. With the LCD TV, Bob would spontaneously shut off the TV. After futzing around with this for an hour or so, I called the manufacturer and they stepped me through changing one of the settings. The manufacturer also mentioned that this fix can only be done for the 'newer', 'made in china', Bobs vs older, 'made in the USA devices'. If one has the 'made in USA' devices and one experiences the above anomaly, the manufacturer will switch them out free of charge to a newer device.
I can limit the amount of time spent watching TV, and/or when viewing will be allowed. My only complaint is that the screen is not backlit, so it can be difficult to see in a low light area. Nevertheless, Timer Bob works just like I wanted it to. The menus are simple, and set-up was easy. It's worth every penny.
Both should be used together since neither provides a total solution in most people's cases when dealing with teenagers with computers in their rooms. I cannot say much more than has already been stated in previous reviews.I will instead focus on WHY NOT to use this device with the PC.1st - This device will not gently shut down your PC. With both.internet surfing is limited and filtered and time limits and 'block out' time is easily handled too.3rd - Most computer power supply cables can be removed and swapped out easily with another cable.bypassing BOB. It shuts it off cold. Which slams your hard drive and creates damage little by little and eventually permanent corruption of the hard drive.2nd - Get a software solution like Net Nanny and/or Time Boss. These cables can be easily purchased at Target, Wal-Mart and Radio Shack for less than $5. So, any kid can get one.For your PC.use a software solution.For TV and gaming consoles, use BOB.
The TV Bob works good. We just wish you could program each individual day. We give more time on weekends, so we have to add time on weekends to make it work for us.
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