I've missed a few auctions that were important to me too. Now I use
www.esnipe.comIt's great! No more putting plans with my wife and kids, or friends, on hold to sit by the computer and anxiously watch auctions end. No more missing out on great deals because my internet connection hung in the final moments of an auction or Windows froze when I was trying to submit a last minute (seconds) bid when trying to snipe an auction. No more wasting time hovering over the computer to watch auctions close. No more over-paying for any item because I got caught up in a bidding frenzy at the end.
I merely decide on my maximum price, enter it into esnipe, and let the system check and place my bid in the final seconds of an auction. When it's over, I receive an email to alert me if I've won my item or not. It's great!