I began testing the different online wish list services yesterday afternoon and through much of the morning.  On each of the 5 sites we mentioned yesterday, I created a profile and added gifts to my list.  I also took the time to search and view the lists of other users, so I could get a feel for things from both sides of the fence.  All of the sites I reviewed were functional and easy-to-use, but I realized that each user might be looking for some very specific things out of a service like this.  I analyzed each site and compared them to put together a list of features that I found important.  Below are my findings.

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** Note that “Universal Wishlist” is the Amazon.com wish list service in this chart.

While the sites were all very similar, some clear winners began to present themselves as I was creating this comparison chart.  There were a few key areas that I think most users would consider a “deal breaker.”

1. Others can mark as “Bought” or “Reserved” - one of the key components of the articles yesterday was that these services should help family and friends avoid the “duplicate gift” issue.  Unfortunately, wishlistr.com did not let gift givers note if they had purchased the item or not.  They were the only service that did not pass this test.
2. Bought/Reserved status is hidden from list owner - HUGE! If I create a Christmas list and I am say.. over the age of 7, I probably don’t want to know what gifts have already been purchased for me.  What fun is there in that?  I would rather be surprised when the event arrives, whether it is a birthday or holiday.

Some features of these online services actually surprised me a bit.  For example, 3 of the 5 sites allow you to share your list via Facebook.  I don’t know why that caught be off guard, as I think it is brilliant.  Everything else on the internet has gone that route, and now these sites are doing the same.  Likewise, myregistry.com surprised me with a PayPal feature.  Now, Grandma can send you that $10 Christmas or birthday check electronically (assuming you spend some time helping her with her computer needs first).  No offense to any grandmothers out there, including mine.

Overall, I have to say that I was most impressed with amazon.com’s “Universal Wishlist.”  It edged out the competition in it’s feature set and overall simplicity.  The site was very easy to use and, since I have been an amazon.com shopper for many years, much of my information was already there, including my user name, password, shipping address and some of the items I had already searched during previous visits.  If you have ever bought anything from amazon.com, I think you will enjoy the service as well.

BONUS: Amazon.com is currently running a series of sweepstakes for those who create and add items to their wish list.  This weeks grand prize is valued at $15,000.  (contest details here)

Now you are armed.  Go create those lists and start sharing them.  While you are at it, you can share today’s article using the ShareThis button below.

UPDATE: Thanks to a few readers (who were more familiar with the service at myregistry.com) the chart has been updated. update 11/05/09 @ 4:20pm (CST)

BETA Testing – We have been working for months to build our business and we are ready to begin sharing with the world… or at least a portion of it.  Later today, our family, friends and Facebook fans (say that 5 times fast) will receive the BETA instructions and begin testing the site.  It is our hope that this small window of BETA testing will help fine-tune our site and get it ready for it’s official, global launch.

We look forward to many more blog posts and a successful venture in JumpstartMyPC.com.  Our goal, as we will undoubtedly repeat over and over, will be to help PC users get the most out of their computer.