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Editor's picks

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  Rosetta Stone Italian Level 1-5 Set

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (46 reviews):

  (4.2/5)

  

  Almost Complete, and Worth the Money

  I found out two months ago that my university was sending me to Italy in a year to teach for one semester. I'll be teaching in English, but my wife and I will need to live, shop, eat, travel, and deal with random problems in Italian, so we got Rosetta Stone to help us learn.I've read reviews here and there by people who were disappointed in Rosetta Stone, but I have found it better than I expected. Having learned one language as a child, studied four more as an adult, traveled and at least briefly conversed in six, and taught one (Latin) to kids with my own textbooks (Schola Latina), I'm almost perfectly pleased with the way Rosetta Stone is helping us learn Italian.As another reviewer points out, the program, while expensive, costs less than a semester of Italian at many a university, and you get a lot for the money. Each of five levels has four units, and each unit has four lessons; that's eighty lessons. Each lesson includes a core lesson of about forty... 5/5 Ken Stephenson (Norman, OK) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Rosetta Stone Italian Level 1-5 Set (CD-ROM) I found out two months ago that my university was sending me to Italy in a year to teach for one semester. I'll be teaching in English, but my wife and I will need to live, shop, eat, travel, and deal with random problems in Italian, so we got Rosetta Stone to help us learn.I've read reviews here and there by people who were disappointed in Rosetta Stone, but I have found it better than I expected. Having learned one language as a child, studied four more as an adult, traveled and at least briefly conversed in six, and taught one (Latin) to kids with my own textbooks (Schola Latina), I'm almost perfectly pleased with the way Rosetta Stone is helping us learn Italian.As another reviewer points out, the program, while expensive, costs less than a semester of Italian at many a university, and you get a lot for the money. Each of five levels has four units, and each unit has four lessons; that's eighty lessons. Each lesson includes a core lesson of about forty... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 10, 2011

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  OK for certain people

  Rosetta Stone is useful for some people. I consider myself to have learned a lot from Rosetta Stone V4 Totale. I do not work for Amazon, Rosetta Stone, or any competitor of these companies. I originally bought the Italian version because I wanted to talk to people in Italy on my next vacation, and I work in a winery so I thought it would be cool to converse with vineyard owners in Italy. I purchased this program with realistic expectations: I would probably not be fluent in Italian even if I completed all 5 levels.1.) Expect to start off slowly and do not expect to learn the language overnight. I expected the program to last at least 6 months, and still not be fluent. The first lessons and level basically teach you to say, "the horse is running." "Il cavallo corre" It was not until I reached lesson 4 of level 1 that RS started to teach useful sentences such as "I would like to purchase some vegetables with a credit card." It starts very slowly, and you must have... 4/5 Lucas - See all my reviews This review is from: Rosetta Stone Italian Level 1-5 Set (CD-ROM) Rosetta Stone is useful for some people. I consider myself to have learned a lot from Rosetta Stone V4 Totale. I do not work for Amazon, Rosetta Stone, or any competitor of these companies. I originally bought the Italian version because I wanted to talk to people in Italy on my next vacation, and I work in a winery so I thought it would be cool to converse with vineyard owners in Italy. I purchased this program with realistic expectations: I would probably not be fluent in Italian even if I completed all 5 levels.1.) Expect to start off slowly and do not expect to learn the language overnight. I expected the program to last at least 6 months, and still not be fluent. The first lessons and level basically teach you to say, "the horse is running." "Il cavallo corre" It was not until I reached lesson 4 of level 1 that RS started to teach useful sentences such as "I would like to purchase some vegetables with a credit card." It starts very slowly, and you must have... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 5, 2010

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  Just starting out, seems like a good way to learn

  I'm updating this review as I use the course, since waiting to provide a single, full review after I'v'e progressed through all the levels would likely take months. Since this is the newest version, I feel it's more important to update as I go along. Hopefully this is more benefit to you reading this now, rather than me waiting 6 months or a year to write the review, at which time Rosetta Stone might be on to a whole new version anyway.My 9yo daughter is really excited about learning a new language, so I'll try to mix in her experience as appropriate as well.What it comes with:-1 program installation disc-5 Language level discs (these provide the actual lessons). You can install them as you go or all at once.-5 levels of audio cds, each level contains multiple cds (4 each level).-Keyboard overlays, with both black and white overlays. These are stickers you can place on your keyboard keys to show the language's special characters... 4/5 Brian A. Roush (Cincinnati, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews, February 25, 2011

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  List Price: $499.00
  

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Develop your command of the language--read, write, speak, and understand

  Build vocabulary; negotiate complex situations; share ideas and opinions

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  Rosetta Stone Italian Level 1

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (41 reviews):

  (3.9/5)

  

  New additions in this programs are excellent!

  I had reviewed a couple years back Rosetta Stone's V3 software. Little has changed at the core of the learning system, which is by far and away a good thing. If you're not familiar with how this program works, it is truly the most "natural" way to learn a language.Let me explain (if you do know how this works skip to the next paragraph for updates on the new features). This program does the best it can to mimic a child-like learning environment, which is what everyone needs to learn. I really mean it. Think of it this way: how do children learn a language? They imitate what they hear and see, right? They do not have a concept early on of memorization. Children do not memorize language, grammar, vocabulary, sentences, etc...they repeat what they hear, associate what they hear with what they see, and make mistakes as they go, slowly correcting themselves with guidance and observation and trial and error. This program does the same thing, but with you, an adult (or... 5/5 memoiai (USA) - See all my reviews, February 26, 2011

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  a great way to learn italian if you can afford it

  I wanted a refresher course in Italian so I ordered this Rosetta Stone Italiano - Level 1. This package is certainly unlike any other language learning program I have run across and even with brief usage, has yielded great results. Although I have no major complaints with the program itself, the price factor did influence my rating.If you have issues with installing the software, I would check to make sure your pc has the latest version of software installed. For example, Windows XP requires Service Pack 3 for this language software to work properly and Vista needs SP2. It is easy enough to download the latest service pack with Windows but I hear mac users have more problems. If you have an older pc, you really need to check the hardware requirements. Also note that you must have broadband service to access all the features.The box includes a quick start booklet, installation cds, software cds, headset, user agreement booklet, keyboard stickers to convert... 4/5 Margaux Paschke - See all my reviews, February 23, 2011

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  Do Not Buy If You Use a Mac

  Trying to install this on Mac OS X 10.6.5 fails. A 30-minute live chat with tech support (in India, naturally) resulted in them trying to give me instructions for a PC, leading nowhere. The tech had no idea what to suggest, was not familiar with the error messages I was getting. I then submitted a claim ticket to technical support via email detailing the problem (giving them the entire installation log), and after 4 days I have yet to receive a response of any kind. So, this is a review of the lack of support and customer service, and the defective installation aspect of the software, not its language instruction. It is hard to believe that one can pay this much for software that cannot even install itself, but apparently Rosetta has accomplished this. A brief tour around the Web suggests my experience is not unique. I cannot recommend this for Mac users. 1/5 R. Schauffler - See all my reviews, January 3, 2011

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  List Price: $179.00
  

  Master basic conversational skills; receive immediate and ongoing speech assessments

  Build a foundation of fundamental vocabulary and essential language structure

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

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  Rosetta Stone Italian Level 1-3 Set

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (24 reviews):

  (4.2/5)

  

  Great software, horrible licensing

  If you are looking for a software suite to teach you Italian look no further - you've found it. This is, in my opinion, one of the best language learning software suites that money can buy. The lessons are well put together, there is a lot of content, and it goes at an appropriate pace. You still have to put in the time and effort, but this is a good (and cheap) alternative to a class that would present a similar amount of material.The negative is their ridiculous licensing scheme. For a $500+ software suite limiting the number of installations is ridiculous. If you have a desktop and a laptop and want to have your software on both machines, thats it. You are done. In addition its against their license terms to sell the software to someone else once/if you have finished with it. If you buy this product, know that you are limited in what you can do with it since its not technically your property (ridiculous). 3/5 Brian Klein "zarzak" - See all my reviews, March 8, 2011

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  Benvenuti nel mondo di Rosetta Stone

  This is not our first Rosetta Stone Language program. I possess the Mandarin version and last year purchased the Spanish. One of the great features about Rosetta Stone is that you only have to install the program itself once and you can later just add different languages instead of having more than one program running. Even though the Italian Totale is the newest version out in the market, it is still compatible with the older versions of Rosetta Stone. The one big difference I could tell was the interface (selection) menu. The screen is much smaller. There are more icons and choices since the Totale offers more online features.We are planning a Mediterranean vacation in a couple years and one of the stops is Italy. I am a little worried that learning the Italian language can cause confusion since it has similarities to Spanish. I am fluent in Spanish so it will be easy for me to differentiate the two, but my daughter is taking Spanish in school, so it will be... 4/5 ~ Z ~ (New York) - See all my reviews, February 23, 2011

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  Marginally Better than Some Very Less Expensive Alternatives

  I installed this software even after reading all the negative things about their licensing. But then, it's their software and if they want to keep the licensing strict, that's their business. You should just know that if you buy it, you can never sell it. You own it forever.That being said, they want a lot of money for their Yellow Box. Is it worth it. Yes, if you learn the language. Is it the best way to learn a language. Maybe, for some, but I found it only marginally better than which costs one seventeenth the price. Yes, that's right thirty dollars and change versus five hundred and twenty-one dollars. I'd try the thirty dollar program first and as a bonus, if you don't like it, you can resell it.Still, you might go for the Yellow Box because of the online community you get... 2/5 Karen Holtz "NJ Book Girl" (Woodside, New Jersey) - See all my reviews, March 9, 2011

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  List Price: $399.00
  

  Develop language skills to enjoy social interactions; share ideas and opinions

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

  Build vocabulary; spell and write accurately; speak without a script

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

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  Rosetta Stone Italian Level 1-2 Set

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (2 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Excellent as advertised.

  I made one mistake - unless you are really able to work on this for a large amount of time from the beginning, I would not opt for the 3 month, on line, interactive trial period until later. 5/5 C. Rinaldo - See all my reviews, August 8, 2011

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  Fantastic way to learn!

  So far, Rosetta Stone has been a fantastic way to learn. I never learned well from the language instruction books as a kid so the Rosetta Stone method is really working. I feel as if I'm learning in the most practical way. 5/5 Hey, Tamara! (New York City) - See all my reviews This review is from: Rosetta Stone Italian Level 1-2 Set (CD-ROM) So far, Rosetta Stone has been a fantastic way to learn. I never learned well from the language instruction books as a kid so the Rosetta Stone method is really working. I feel as if I'm learning in the most practical way. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 23, 2011

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  List Price: $299.00
  

  Build intermediate-level conversational skills; spell and write accurately; speak without a script

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

  Learn fundamental vocabulary and essential language structure; navigate your surroundings

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  Instant Immersion Italian Levels 1, 2 & 3

  Software (Topics Entertainment)
  

  Rating (75 reviews):

  (3.6/5)

  

  OK for the price, but revolting graphics and interface

  I received a review copy of this product, which I was interested in for a future trip to Italy. I've learned several languages over the years and have a background in linguistics, and so had some expectations for what a decent language course should include.This product includes four disks: (1) a DVD for use with your TV (or computer), (2) a CD with MP3 (digital sound) files that can be played on some car CD players, or copied onto any MP3 player, (3) a computer application DVD and (4) a computer "Where is Oscar Lake?" game CD.The interactive DVD has cheesy graphics and marginal sound. My main complaint about it is that it says each phrase or conversation in English first, and then Italian. My experience has been that it is easier to learn a language when the other language is presented first or even solely (with English subtitles at most). Most annoying is that if you press the replay button, you have to listen to the English again, when what most people... 3/5 Karl (Bozeman, MT USA) - See all my reviews, May 28, 2011

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  Extremely high value for affordable price

  The Instant Immersion series of foreign language products aims to offer as much or more value than Rosetta Stone, for a much lower price point. It succeeds.Pros:-- The content and format is similar to Rosetta Stone products, featuring interactive menus, and vocabulary and pronunciation drills.-- The set includes not just the software on CD, but also an interactive DVD-ROM, a complete audio course on mp3 CD (so you can practice in your car or whenever you just have an mp3 player with you), and a wonderful mystery game on CD called "Who is Oscar Lake?" (comparable to the award-winning video game "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?").-- Contains 3 different learning levels of content, and you can progress at your own pace.-- Includes a business section on level 3 so you can learn crucial business vocabulary and phrases without purchasing an additional, business Italian program.-- Extremely affordable compared to Rosetta Stone levels 1... 5/5 Me2011 "Me2011" (USA) - See all my reviews, May 26, 2011

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  It works, molto bene!

  I just got back from Italy where I spent a week in Florence.I spoke enough Italian after this course to:Order mealsOrder plenty of vino rossoChoose several flavors of gelatofind a restaurant near our hotelNegotiate the purchase of some glass beads at the Mercato CentraleTake a cooking class and ask what flour is used in the salt-free Tuscan breadComplain about someone getting into our hotel room and smoking a stogie thereYell "You fat swine!" when I got pinched on the Lungarno.No guarantee your results will be the same, or your vacation as fun as mine, but it's worth a try. 5/5 Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews, August 27, 2011

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  List Price: $49.99
  

  Fun and effective exercises; interactive activities and challenging quizzes

  Perfect for travel, business or school

  Transfer lessons to iPod or other MP3 player for on-the-go learning

  Recordable voice technology for perfecting your pronunciation

  Fun and easy to use!

  The world?s most popular language learning software

  Windows & Mac compatible

  Includes: DVD-ROM, audio course for MP3, interactive DVD, Who is Oscar Lake? CD-ROM, and a printable dictionary

  Language-learning software with natural image-association techniques

  Build your vocabulary, get around with confidence, converse with ease

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  Rosetta Stone Homeschool Italian Level 1-5 Set including Audio Companion

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  List Price: $479.00
  

  Rosetta Stone Homeschool teaches your student a new language naturally, the same way they mastered their first language.

  Parent Administrative Tools allow you to formulate lesson plans, manage your student?s progress and track success.

  Rosetta Stone Homeschool moves forward only when your student is ready - you set the schedule and your student drives the pace.

  Audio Companion lets you take the Rosetta Stone experience anytime, anywhere

  Innovative solutions get you speaking new words, right from the start

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  Rosetta Stone Homeschool Italian Level 1 including Audio Companion

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  SUPER easy to use and effective

  My daughter (12) is homeschooled, and since I don't speak Italian I was concerned about using a computer-based training program. I shouldn't have worried. She set the whole thing up all by herself, without any help from me, and simply took off. She loves it, and has done the entire Italian 1 course in three months. If your family is set on Italian as the language, I might pop for the extra bucks for the Level 1, 2, 3 - I'm off to buy it now. 5/5 ASR "Anne" (Princeton, NJ) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Rosetta Stone Homeschool Italian Level 1 including Audio Companion (CD-ROM) My daughter (12) is homeschooled, and since I don't speak Italian I was concerned about using a computer-based training program. I shouldn't have worried. She set the whole thing up all by herself, without any help from me, and simply took off. She loves it, and has done the entire Italian 1 course in three months. If your family is set on Italian as the language, I might pop for the extra bucks for the Level 1, 2, 3 - I'm off to buy it now. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 23, 2009

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  List Price: $159.00
  

  Rosetta Stone Homeschool teaches your student a new language naturally, the same way they mastered their first language.

  Rosetta Stone Homeschool moves forward only when your student is ready--you set the schedule and your student drives the pace.

  Audio Companion CDs let them reinforce the Rosetta Stone experience anytime, anywhere.

  Parent Administrative Tools allow you to formulate lesson plans, manage your student's progress and track their success.

  Innovative solutions get them speaking new words, right from the start.

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  Rosetta Stone French Level 1-5 Set

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (63 reviews):

  (3.9/5)

  

  Fantastic program but not without its quirks

  Rosetta Stone Totale FrenchOnce you get the application installed and working, it is a lot of fun. I actually look forward to learning the language. It gives no English interpretation but shows an image with each phrase. They call it Dynamic Immersion. You hear, see, say and even type the phrase. The program goes over learned material and also breaks down pronunciations. It's colorful and not only fun to use but to look at as well.It is a fantastic program but not without its quirks.Problem 1 - license agreement.We rarely read license agreements but I have started to look them over. This is one that I was tempted to decline - too many lawyers got into this one. Stuff like you don't own it, this is a license to use, etc. Because of the license agreement I was hesitant to signup for the online features for fear I am walking into additional charges I will have trouble getting out of. But I did and will definitely update if that happens... 4/5 SMXSteve (Seattle) - See all my reviews, September 6, 2010

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  Be wary before investing in this system!

  Think twice before investing a lot of money in these systems. You can only install it twice, then it shuts you down. My hard drive crashed, then weeks later my computer. I try to put it on my new laptop, and it won't let me. So technically my $600 is then wasted. Great system, huh?I call them up and have spent hours pleading my case. They told me that because I bought it through an amazon vendor, it's a pirated copy. Nowhere on their website or any of their advertising do they caution you about this. I told them they were punishing me for buying something for $600 in good faith. I spent 3 hours talking to different people about this, being dismissed repeatedly. Their customer service is absolutely terrible.In short, be very very wary before you get into the same situation I did. Computers and laptops are never reliable for long. Two strikes, then you have to trust that they'll honor your large cash outlay, and let you continue to use something... 1/5 Holidaybackhome - See all my reviews This review is from: Rosetta Stone French Level 1-5 Set (CD-ROM) Think twice before investing a lot of money in these systems. You can only install it twice, then it shuts you down. My hard drive crashed, then weeks later my computer. I try to put it on my new laptop, and it won't let me. So technically my $600 is then wasted. Great system, huh?I call them up and have spent hours pleading my case. They told me that because I bought it through an amazon vendor, it's a pirated copy. Nowhere on their website or any of their advertising do they caution you about this. I told them they were punishing me for buying something for $600 in good faith. I spent 3 hours talking to different people about this, being dismissed repeatedly. Their customer service is absolutely terrible.In short, be very very wary before you get into the same situation I did. Computers and laptops are never reliable for long. Two strikes, then you have to trust that they'll honor your large cash outlay, and let you continue to use something... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 30, 2010

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  Terrible customer service!

  Don't expect much help when it comes to their helplines. They only allow you to install your very expensive software twice. If your hard drive crashes multiple times, as mine did, you're in trouble. Like another person here, I bought from an amazon vendor and was told it was pirated, so they wouldn't give me a new activation code. Basically, they punish their customers because they want to control their revenue streams -- instead of going after the vendors actively selling Rosetta Stone on this site, they refuse to allow you, the buyer, to use what you've paid for!Beware this unethical company! 1/5 Tim Palmer - See all my reviews This review is from: Rosetta Stone French Level 1-5 Set (CD-ROM) Don't expect much help when it comes to their helplines. They only allow you to install your very expensive software twice. If your hard drive crashes multiple times, as mine did, you're in trouble. Like another person here, I bought from an amazon vendor and was told it was pirated, so they wouldn't give me a new activation code. Basically, they punish their customers because they want to control their revenue streams -- instead of going after the vendors actively selling Rosetta Stone on this site, they refuse to allow you, the buyer, to use what you've paid for!Beware this unethical company! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 31, 2010

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  List Price: $499.00
  

  Develop your command of the language--read, write, speak, and understand

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

  Build vocabulary; negotiate complex situations; share ideas and opinions

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  Rosetta Stone Italian Level 1 for Mac [Download]

  Digital Software (Rosetta Stone)
  List Price: $179.00
  Price: $161.10
  You Save: $17.90 (10%)

  Rosetta Stone's live online lesson consists of practice sessions led by native speaking tutors.

  Rosetta Stone includes three components to help you learn fast with our exciting Dynamic Immersion method

  The online community provides language enhancing games that move you towards real-world proficiency.

  Enhance your learning on-the-go with Rosetta Stone mobile apps for the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch device.  Access included with purchase.

  The award-winning interactive software teaches you to speak, read, write and think in your new language

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  Rosetta Stone Italian Level 4

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Great product but better to purchase all five levels

  I purchased only level 4 because I already had the first three levels. It would have been much less expensive for me to purchase all five levels initially. The Rosetta Stone product is excellent. I have it in other languages and the product gets better with each version. This one allows the learner to join in live conversations with native Italian teachers, for example. I've used CDs and audio cassettes as well as books to learn languages and nothing is as good as Rosetta Stone. 5/5 Marion Keenan "Marion" - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Rosetta Stone Italian Level 4 (CD-ROM) I purchased only level 4 because I already had the first three levels. It would have been much less expensive for me to purchase all five levels initially. The Rosetta Stone product is excellent. I have it in other languages and the product gets better with each version. This one allows the learner to join in live conversations with native Italian teachers, for example. I've used CDs and audio cassettes as well as books to learn languages and nothing is as good as Rosetta Stone. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 29, 2011

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  List Price: $179.00
  

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

  Deepen your understanding of the language; expand on what you learned in Levels 1, 2 and 3

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

  Engage in advanced-level conversations; share ideas and opinions; move toward fluency

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