From...

November 3, 1999
Web posted at: 9:58 a.m. EST (1458 GMT)

by Alexandra Krasne

(IDG) -- The quest for the almighty e-shopping dollar is kicking into high gear for the holiday season.

While America Online and Yahoo are taking an early lead, the Microsoft Network is making its move with eShop, which launched Tuesday.

Like its rivals, eShop does offer almost everything you'll need to shop (and omits the crowded parking lot). You'll find three main entry points: Find A Gift, Find A Deal, and Find A Store. About 60 merchants are listed on the site.

MSN has its own database of products through its own merchants, but you can also compare prices and features using a more extensive non-MSN database from CompareNet Buyers Guides and Comparison Tools.

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The site takes no responsibility for the final transaction. On the MSN site, you're advised to check with each merchant to verify policies and shipping.

MSN does play intermediary with its Wish List feature. As you browse the site and find something you like, you can add it to your Wish List. Then save the list on the site or e-mail it to Aunt Martha, Uncle Joe, and the twins in Boise, to assure that they pick the right gifts for you.