"Green" plug adapter

[LeMarchand]

I seem to remember seeing an adapter plug that would only supply power if the connected item needed it; the idea being you plug your phone/tablet in at night and it charges and then the plug turns off once the item is charged.

This is for my increasingly forgetful father. Someone has decided to by him a cheap Android tablet so he can be Skyped and wants him to leave it permanently plugged in (or he'll forget to charge it). I'm not happy about him leaving what is no doubt a shoddy charger plugged in 24/7 (and not convinced that he'll remember how to use the thing once no-one is around to show him, and rejected the idea a while back - but I digress) and looking for a way to mitigate the risk of the charger overheating.

So does this product exist, or does anyone have any other ideas?

[unixman_again]

A timer plug is the obvious low-tech answer.

[LeMarchand]

A timer plug is the obvious low-tech answer.

That was my suggestion, but the family friend who decided on the tablet idea didn't like it for some reason.

[witch]

This?
Enviroplug - Mobile Phone Energy Saving Adapter | Nigel's Eco Store

[Arthur]

The next step up from a timer plug would probably be a Belkin WeMo. This lets you turn things on and off remotely either through a smartphone app or via IFTTT.

[LeMarchand]

This?
Enviroplug - Mobile Phone Energy Saving Adapter | Nigel's Eco Store

That's the fella! I didn't think of using "Eco" as a search term. Now just need to find somewhere with stock.

The next step up from a timer plug would probably be a Belkin WeMo. This lets you turn things on and off remotely either through a smartphone app or via IFTTT.

Far too complex, but thanks. The Belkin Energy Valet looked promising at one stage, then I found out it was on a 4 hour timer, and so would need the "charge now" button pressed periodically.