Today you can find anything using a search engine; however to be able to use the full potential of the search engine you need to know various tips and tricks.

This post looks at most useful search shortcuts for Google, Bing and Yahoo to find what you need quickly and efficiently.

Note: a search shortcut is a set search commands (pre-defined combination of characters / words) allowing to see relevant information snapshot.

Google search shortcuts for shopping:

1. Find a product within the specified price range: use … operator: {laptop $400…$600}

2. Product overall pricing: search for the product name, e.g. {mp3 player}

3. Convert currencies: plenty of patterns are supported, for example just type {50CAD in USD} and hit the search button and you get the answer instantly!

4. Use Google as a calculator: for example, to calculate total including a discount: {25% of 39}

5. Find any store on the map: just drop the address in the search box:

6. Get the selection of stores for any product: search for your [product] + city and (optionally) street:

7. Track package delivery: just search for your shipping tracking number:

Yahoo! search shortcuts for shopping:

8. Product reviews : search for the product name, e.g. {mp3 player}

9. Look for coupon codes: search for [coupon code + seller's name]:

10. Convert currencies: this one is very similar to Google’s shortcut, so you may use any:

11. Use Yahoo! as a calculator (also very similar to Google): for example, to calculate total including a discount: {25% of 39}

12. Find any store on the map: just drop the address in the search box:

Bing search shortcuts for shopping:

13. Get product pricing, specifications, brands : {mp3 player}

14. Use Bing as currency converter: just like Google and Yahoo!

15. Use Bing as a calculator: just like Google and Yahoo!

16. Get the selection of stores for any product: search for your [product] + city and (optionally) street:

Post img by Scott McLeod

Do you love gadgets? Well, if you are going to answer “No”, you probably just don’t know what I mean.

Gadgets are little (and huge) devices that are meant to make our lives easier. They do not necessarily mean any technological innovations, sometimes these are ordinary things with enhanced functionality.

So today I am going to show you how daily-routine things may be optimized so that you could never imagine. You have dreamed about them without even knowing this is possible!

Love singing when taking shower? Then this Shower Mic Sponge is right for you! (Via grandrivertoys.com)

Are you lazy? Then this device is right for you! Instead of having to lean down and put your mouth under the faucet just to rinse away the toothpaste. A clever internal tube takes the flowing water and redirects it as a small jet (via wired.com):

Let your dog peek outside with this awesome Pet Peek gadget (via PetPeek):

Another gadget for your yard: a ball-shaped glass bird feeder (via WhereDidYouBuyThat):

Here’s another gadget for your yard birds: solar bird house – it has has a solar panel that charges a small battery. At sunset a sensor turns on the illuminated perch, creating a whimsical glow in your garden and hopefully makes it easier for your birdies to get home (via Australia gift shop):

A perfect example of an ordinary thing getting optimized: The Drinkin’ Tray (via slightlywarped.com)

Burnt toast could soon be a thing of the past as this glass toaster lets you see your bread as it browns (via PicoCool):

More cooking gadgets: this Lap Counter gives you the mobility to peel, chop, slice fruits and vegetables almost anywhere in the house (via kickstyle.me):

The following gadget allows for the safe transport and storage of individual bananas letting you enjoy perfect banana anytime, anywhere (via wallbike.com):

Who knew there are so many devices to store and transport bananas? Here is another one: (via vat19.com):

The weight watch belt measures the waist every time you put it on & lets you know if you put on any weight (via crookedbrains.net):

These cool electrical outlets will stash electrical cords behind a Picket Fence to hide clutter (via PicoCool):

This cool stackable furniture set will save your place: it will be there only when you need it (via freakyfrugalite.com):

Have a habit to wake up late at night and don’t want to bother your family? Check out these amazing slippers (via freakyfrugalite.com):

Squishy Bowl: you can shove them in a pocket, backpack, laptop bag, belly button (if it’s big enough), and more. They pop back into shape and are ready to go (via ThinkGeek).

Another example of an optimized : ‘spill-resistant’ bowl that uses a gyroscope to prevent spills when you’re gyrating (via gizmodo.com):

The clever Post-A-Note pen comes with a built-in cartridge filled with small yellow Post-it inspired notes, so you’ll never have to worry about being without paper again (via Geek Alerts).

Sometimes you just can’t do without crutches, but why settle for regular crutches if you can have collapsible ones? (via Craziest Gadgets)

Do you ever have to work in the badly-heated office or even outside? Are cold hands slowing down your reaction time when you are playing a video game? The USB Heating Gloves may be the answer to your prayers! (via perpetualkid.com)

Post image by Aitor Escauriaza

Twitter is the hugest phenomenon of today’s Internet. Connecting to people real-time (even if they are offline), getting instant updates from friends, being up-to-date with most recent news – these are just few advantages of the tool. Another possibility to make the most of Twitter is to use it for shopping.

Ask your friends their opinion on the product you plan to buy and you will get lots of Tweets immediately from people you trust. But Twitter shopping benefits are not limited to only that! Check out the following tips on using Twitter for shopping:

Use Twitter Search

Twitter offers an advanced search platform that you can use to find out what real people say about the retailer you are considering or a product you want to buy. Consider these quick tips on what operators you can use to get properly prepared for your purchase.

• Do you want to find negative reviews by the unsatisfied customer? Try to search Twitter for the retailer’s name and include to your search – [retailer's name ] search will return tweets by displeased people criticizing some news and products.

Example: [Amazon ]

• Check what reputable sources say about the store or product you are considering. Try to search for the store name and add from:twitter_username to restrict search results to what the Twitter user was saying.

Example: [Amazon from:mashable] to search for Amazon-related news discussed by Mashable.com

• Look for product or retailer mentions near you: use near:city_name advanced operator.

Example: [Nokia near:seattle]

• Search for product- or retailer-related questions: add ? to your search query.

Example: [Apple iPhone ?]

Create Your Twitter Group

TwitterGroups is a Twitter application that allows you to create your own group of interest; you can then promote it on Twitter and invite friends. Create a group specifically to exchange shopping lists and reviews with your online friends. You can also join other shopping-related groups; here are a few to consider:

• Amazon Explorers Club;
• eBay;
• Coupon Freaks.

Find Your Retailer on Twitter

Do you know that numerous online retailers are starting to use Twitter for customer service? Try to find the retailer you plan to buy from and try to:

• Ask him a public question (see how quick he will be to respond);
• See what others ask him – use this advanced search command: [@retailer_name] to find all Tweets addressed to him.

A few huge businesses that are on Twitter already:

• Dell Computers;
• ComCast;
• Samsung;
• Kodak;
• Ford.

You can also try to get the retailers find you! Most businesses monitor Twitter for their names mentions. Try to tweet using the retailer’s brand name and in some time you may hear from him!

So, no matter how much you might be tired of Twitter-related articles and guides, there is no denying the fact that Twitter is an awesome tool with unlimited yet-to-be-explored spheres of usage. So don’t forget to use it before buying anything!

Facebook unites your friends, relatives and colleagues for you to easily connect with them. Being thus a handy and popular social tool, it is quite natural it can be also turned into an awesome shopping tool: imagine your friends accompany you with your online shopping, giving you advice and sharing their experience!

Friends are the people you can trust; with Facebook applications you can ask them to review the products you plan to buy or rate a retailer you are considering. You can also help each other by exchanging coupon codes and notifying each other of best deals.

So here is the comprehensive collection of Facebook shopping tools:

Track Coupon Codes via Facebook:

Simply Best Coupons: this application is Facebook version of popular website SimplyBestCoupons.com. Without leaving Facebook you can find best coupons and deals. The procedure is really simple:

• Select your country;
• Select you favorite online stores and shopping categories;
• Select the notification type (email or facebook notification);
• Invite your friends;
• Search by the retailer’s name;
• Add your comments and rate the retailer:

Coupons.com offer printable discount coupons on Facebook:

“Simply add the application, and we’ll instantly provide you with a selection of coupons for everyday products. For every coupon you print, discard, or share with a friend, we’ll replace it with another until you’ve bled us dry!”

Next Coupons app allows the user to suggest retailers they’d like to receive coupons from, and also select from shopping categories that interest them. That way the deals the users get are tailored specifically to their interest, and they can be informed of hot coupons and discounts without even having to search for them.

Free Coupons: on adding the app you’ll see a list of popular brands, just click on any to add your favorite shops to your profile:

Cheap Deals & Coupons posts a box on the left side of your profile, then it feeds in 5 lines of text, which consists of deals on the Internet and how they are rated. A “5″ rating means that the deal is SUPER cheap. A “1″ means that the deal is no good! Immediately after adding the app, you’ll see the list of recent deals and coupons throughout the Internet.

Me coupons offers to give your friends a gift that lets them spend more time with you in real life. Send them a “One Free Hug” or “Free Drink” coupon or create a personalized coupon for that special friend. You can even text your friends your coupon so that they can redeem it in real life!

Coupons Community by eCoupons offers a handy navigation with a drop-down menus. Besides, it allows members to submit new coupons.

Get Organized with Facebook Shopping and Wish Lists:

What I Want app (which can also be added to pages) offers to add items to your wishlist from any store and notify your friends. You can share your wishlist with your Facebook friends or with non-Facebook users too:

• Manage your wishlist according to priority, quantity and purchases.
• Search for products from all your favorite online merchants such as Amazon, Apple, Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Buy.com, Gap, Home Depot, Barnes & Noble, and thousands of others.
• Create: shopping lists, What-I-Want, What-I-Have, recommendations, wish lists, etc.

JungleBook shows your Amazon wishlists on your profile to let people know when you add items to it.

• Let your friends see what gifts you want, and find out what to buy your friends.
• Create and share lists of products on Amazon.
• Examples of lists you can create: “My favorite Books”, “Top 10 Rock Albums”, “Music I Bought This Year”, “Gadgets I Want From Santa”, etc.
• The lists you create are submitted to Amazon to be saved, and so are shown on both sites.

What would you buy? offers shopping polls and wishlists. Create a poll to compare two similar products and let your friends vote and browse through your friends’ polls.

Access Product Reviews:

Needdit lists reviews from people you know and trust.

CNET Product Review(s) displays a widget-like block reviewing an item. The search option sends the user to CNET site.

I Want One app provides you and your friends with the ability to vote on different Amazon.com products. Instead of trusting the customer reviews on Amazon you should ask your friends to review the product. Add the product to your list and ask your friends to vote on the product.

Comparison and Social Shopping via Facebook:

My Shopping allows you to shop online with your Facebook friends. You can search for books, music, movies, gadgets, clothing, or anything you have a need for. You can then rate, mark, and share items. For any item you can view how many of your friends like or dislike that item, as well as compare the lowest prices available from retail stores. Write reviews or rants, and let your peers know how you feel about that product.

Image credit: jelene

Green shopping doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or paying more. In fact, you can buy environmentally-sound products and enjoy all cool features of online shopping: compare prices, find deals and coupon codes and read product reviews and ratings. Let’s save both money and this planet at the same time!

Below I am listing most useful resources that will help you locate best green deal and find relevant eco-friendly product you need.

User-Generated Green Deals

GreenDealsDaily.com is a user-generated site that offers you to both save money and live green. In general, it is a Digg-like community that allows users to submit green deals and vote for deals submitted by others. You can add and view green deals in a number of categories: clothing, food and drink, transportation, entertainment, etc.

The site also has a blog that is updated in two main categories:

• “Green Product Reviews” covering earth-friendly products;
• “Green Deals News” featuring new eco-friendly deals, coupons and freebies.

Green Shopping Directory:

PriceGrabber has a separate section for green merchants. It highlights products that promote smart, sustainable, eco-friendly living. The site also claims to be giving 5% of all profits to a green charity of your choice! At PriceGrabber you will find a huge range of environmentally-sound products ranging from organic dresses to energy star laptops.

The products listed fall into one of the following categories:

• Energy Star-compliant products (that will help you save money by saving energy);
• Products made from organic or recycled materials;
• Products made from environmentally-friendly materials (products that are both eco- and health-friendly);
• Products made by noted environmentally-conscious companies, etc

PriceGrabber also maintains green blog featuring green deals and latest products.

Green Shopping Deals:

• RedFlagDeals posts green promotional codes valid in Canada.
• GoGreenDeals blog publishes one awesome deal per day. It features special offers in quite a number of popular categories.
• Ecobunga seems to update not that often but it does look like a useful resource. You can find eco-friendly deals there as well as green contests and giveaways.
• GreenMomFinds is a great blog featuring family- and earth-friendly deals, resources and events.

Comparison Green Shopping:

PristinePlanet is a comparison shopping tool allowing you to view any product reviews and compare prices of similar products. Choose the site search platform or browse by categories to locate the product you are interested in, click “similar products” link and you will see the table of all items of the type by various manufacturers. You can thus compare prices and choose the most suitable item for you. Strangely, there is no “Electronics ” and “Computers” categories at the site though.

GreenGenius is another green shopping resource that offers price comparison feature. The site seems useful but is really slow.

Image Credit: Istock

Comparison shopping is one of the hottest things you can do online. No need to spend hours driving from store to store, ask experts’ and friends’ recommendations to find the best product to suit your needs and wallet.

Find the best free online tools below that offer handy ways to compare any product prices, user and expert reviews and specs.

PriceGrabber lets members add and see others’ reviews and ratings.

The site offers a very handy search option: you can sort the search results by price, popularity or rating. The sidebar lists multiple options allowing you to refine the results: top manufacturers, price range, item specifications, etc. You will also be able to see top searches others users are likely to use.

Alatest has a very handy search suggestion option that provides you with the list of search hints as you type.

The site also saves your recently viewed items and allows to compare them any time.

You will also be able to compare prices for one product across several stores.

Overall comparison is performed in the form of a huge table allowing you to compare all core features, user ratings and reviews and, of course, the prices.

BeatThat lists user-submitted deals and allows you to compare deals with Amazon and BestBuy.

CNet represents product comparison in the form of a table containing item photos, prices, ratings, descriptions and core features.

With it you have the least customizable options but it provides plenty of information in a user-friendly interface:

PriceRunner allows to compare prices offered by different retailers (just click “price range” link). You will be able to see each retailer’s user rating, price and even product availability.

The site lists both users’ reviews as well as reviews given by ‘experts’ (aggregated from other product review sites). The site also offers a handy “compare side by side” feature listing product features and letting you choose.

Search results can be customized in a number of ways: view results in a table, grid or list. A number of sorting options are also available: by popularity, retailer’s name, price, user rating, etc.

NexTag has a pretty nifty advanced search option that allows to narrow search by price, by brand, by product specifications or suggested keywords.

You can also set the price alert for any product you want and get notified when the item’s price reaches or falls below your target price.

When registered, you can add items to your shopping list, compile your wish lists and save your recent searches. Apart from that you can also see other members’ product lists.

Another cool feature is called “Recent price drops” listing products with recently dropped price. What’s more, you can see how pricing has been changing for each product in a graph:

More Fun With Each Tool: