i bought from the bay as they were cheap but now i am wondering what to use them for and how ??
For the DS1307, have a look at this : DS1307 Real Time Clock breakout board kit : ID 264 : $7.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
The modules from Sparkfun and Adafruit do work. The RTC modules from Ebay often don't.
You can avoid many problems with the DS3231, it has an internal crystal.
I found this the best
http://bildr.org/2011/03/ds1307-arduino/
and it is the most efficient as far as code space is concerned. I have four of the eBay cheapies, and they are fine. They aren't chronometers, but who expects a chronometer for $1.99? They gain about a minute in a month, which is fine for most people.
Their most common use is for timestamping locally stored data, you will find plenty of use4ful examples round here.
only 54 pence for 2 and free postage from china ,thats a bargain