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So here I find myself standing in line again, waiting for a Library book sale to begin. Good thing I have my wireless Palm i705 with me. Not only am I able to work on this article, but I can also check email, log onto "My eBay" and surf the Web.
As the book sale is about to begin, I will use a WCA (Web Clipping Application), called Checkabid http://www.checkabid.com. Checkabid allows me to quickly search completed eBay auctions to see the end price for recently sold OOP (Out Of Print) CDs and videos, as well as sheet music and songbooks, which I resell in my eBay Store. This helps me keep an eye out for high selling titles. Once inside, if I find a title I'm not familiar with, I can do a quick price check to see if my find will return a decent profit. Checkabid has proved many times to be an effective buying tool, saving me both time and money by not making the wrong purchase decision.
I am a longtime fan and user of Palm PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). I learned more about the i705 wireless model at the eBay Live event last June. While attending a Palm sponsor class on the i705, I found out that an eBay WCA had been developed. This application allows you to browse by category and check completed auctions. It gives you access to an abbreviated My eBay (it does not include watch list, favorites, feedback, account, completed auctions, items not sold, or preferences). Information on the eBay WCA and the Palm i705 can be found at http://pages.ebay.com/anywhere/pdas.html.
WCAs are available for download at no cost or for a fee, depending on the application. Many are available from the Palm Web site at http://software.palm.com/Wireless. Some of my favorites include Mapquest, which I use to get driving directions to estate sales in search of treasures, and Starbucks to track down the closest latte after a long day of rummaging.
In order to use WCAs, you will need both a Palm i705 handheld and a subscription to a Palm.net wireless service plan (be sure to check out coverage areas). Pricing and feature descriptions can be found at http://www.palm.com/products/palmi705.
I find that my Palm i705 has become essential in managing my online life. As an auction management tool, I am able to use my "queue" time (i.e., waiting in line at the post office) to respond to bidder questions via email, place auction bids, and monitor my auctions. Also, access to completed auction information provides a real-time, mobile price guide, which assists in buying product for resale and provides a competitive edge in price negotiations.
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