We all want to make the right call when it comes to making purchases. Whether you ultimately buy the item online, via catalog or in a traditional store, it's a bummer when you make a bad pick. Enter: Wize. Their tagline is "People Know." But, they take it a step further with a proprietary algorithm combining reviews from real-people with information from tens of thousands of sources on the web, including major players like Amazon and CNET + smaller niche sites.

In other words, they do the digging & asking around, so you don't have to. Ultimately, they serve up a number from 1-100. The Wize Rank score is akin to what Wine Spectator does for wine. So, you instantly know what's the best value & what can/should be ruled out.

The concept came from CEO Tom Patterson whom I just spoke with. The guy knows his math.

Proprietary technology collects and normalizes the data using proven statistical methods to rate each product in their growing database. If you're interested in this methodology, you can read more about the ranking process in the Wize Rank white paper. The rest of us, can just benefit from the topline number & make faster, better decisions.

Here's what the rankings mean:

Did my own little test with products I've purchased -- some winners & losers. Must say, found the reviews pretty on-target:

= 78.
Sony VAIO Widescreen Notebook PC
I fell in love with the look of it, but it is S-L-O-W. So, now, having walked into Best Buy cold & bought the thing in a rush, am completely frustrated. One advance look at WIZE & I would have made different decision. Duh, Regina.

= 47
Cuisinart Brew
Have this in black with stainless steel. Again, liked the aesthetics & somewhat retro feel. It works, but it's not to-die-for. Interestingly, the 14 cup model ranks higher. That's a lot of coffee. Maybe the customers are all perked up. This'll perk ya up ... the price disparity in the "Where to Buy" right hand column is staggering. Powered by Shopping.com, the site serves up related products for purchase (that's their biz model). The first four listings indicate a nearly $30 difference for the same coffee maker.

= 88
Weber Summit Gold
People really seem to have a thing for Weber grills. My ranking is a lot lower on this one, cause the one I ordered from Sears.com looks just like this, but the work area on the side LOOKS like it's an extra burner to boil stuff or cook something else simultaneously, but it doesn't. One counter space area would have sufficed. Since am determined to keep the darn thing forever, am glad to see this site has am amazing collection of replacement parts.

= 82
Weber Smokey Joe
Love this little guy. Gets 100 in my book.

Other smart clicks to help you make smart picks:

Switched.com for lots of no nonsense advice. The site recently unveiled its 2008 Laptop Buying Guide ... definitely worth checking out, as is the Editors Picks section.

Engadget.com is the place to go for the very latest on news and reviews on just launched gadgets and gizmos.