It is a tool designed to keep track of online auctions (eBay).

Pros: The Tadpole Auction Watcher enables you to watch multiple auctions simultaneously on eBay. You can specify search terms so that items that match the search terms are automatically populated into your watch list. Each time a bid or price changes, the watcher tracks these changes and automatically updates them in your viewing window. You can set a certain price threshold on a given auction such that if the auction exceeds a given price you will be informed of this change. Monitoring is possible in user-specified categories, such that every time there is a new listing it gets added to your watch list. The alert system also alerts a user when the closing time for an auction is approaching. Buyer/Seller history is available for view (items bought or sold in the past). Integration with Auction Inquisitor takes care of fraudulent auctions, and these are not displayed.

Cons: The main limitation is that this is a tool designed for auctions only on eBay. There seems to be no support for uBid, Amazon Live Auctions or any other auction website. The interface provides all the required information but could have been aesthetically better. It looks like the different view pane sizes cannot be adjusted and this results in frequent scrolling and therefore a poor user experience. Unlike an online eBay watch window there is no indication of items that you are bidding on, and so you cannot visually see when you have been outbid and need to compare it with the highest bid that you remember making – a task which is somewhat simplified by setting a particular threshold price, crossing which you are automatically notified.

Overall: 4 stars. Does the job. Alert feature is very good. However, it is only for eBay auctions and interface is a drag.