www.online.ie: Internet services and community site with shopping zone, mostly third-party companies.

Some areas very limited, such as the music store. Others, such as computer goods, have a huge range of products.

Some good bargains, especially in Hot Deals section.

Site design: Simple and easy to navigate, but not very inviting. Long lists of products can be offputting and slow to download. Useful listings by merchant or products. Clearly stated privacy policy, which notes that information from consumers may be used for marketing purposes by Online.ie or "affiliated companies". Allows site users to opt out. Purchase: Software game at £12.10 (€20.28).

Confirmation: Several e-mails to confirm purchase and track order although apparently no one handled these on the weekend.

Postage: £5

Delivery: Apologetic representative rang to say the item was no longer available. Asked why it was still listed, he said the supplier had not told Online.ie it had been deleted.