America Online has launched an online shopping site it says will provide an easy and fast way to compare products from thousands of online merchants.

Called inStore, the company says the site is available on the AOL and as a stand-alone destination at In-Store.com.

The site uses what it calls "pinpoint shopping" to quickly give comparisons, as well as let users defining many search terms, including brands, prices and features.

It also contains ratings for each store, and can send alerts when a price drops to what you want to pay.

AOL says an inStore Outlets area to be launched later will offer bargain shoppers brand name products at discounts from dozens of merchants.