| ![Spanish (Latin America) Level 1 & 2 [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BA13Y06DL._SL500_.jpg)
| From: Fairfield Language Technologies
List Price: $339.00
Buy Used: $155.92
You Save: $183.08 (54%)
Rating:  84 reviews
Sales Rank: 512
Format: Cd-rom
Platforms: Mac Os X, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows Xp
Media: CD-ROM
Operating System: Windows XP
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 9.9 x 8.2 x 2.9
MPN: 226-12
Model: 226-12
UPC: 794678017858
EAN: 0794678017858
ASIN: B000077DD8
Release Date: October 28, 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 84
 Overpriced June 1, 2006
D. R. Eager
81 out of 83 found this review helpful
This program has beautiful graphics. However, it essentially ducks the subject of conjugation. The present progressive tense is used in most cases. There is minimal practice on other tenses. Since many verbs are irregular, this is an important omission. The approach used fosters recognition but not recall of Spanish words and sentences. The exercises are all multiple-choice rather than having the student supply the answer.
The vocabulary is limited.
I can't believe that NASA actually uses this program as a primary learning tool for Spanish.
You pay for the graphics rather than for really learning Spanish.
 Good program but SLOW because of Half-Witted Security June 22, 2007
N. L. allen (Alaska)
71 out of 77 found this review helpful
It's such a shame that Rosetta Stone relies on simple copy protection for their CD. It requires your optical drive to work overtime to run this program since it requires the original language CD each and every time you use it.
It would be much more reasonable to allow a disk image to mount on my hard drive, which would free the significant, annoying wait for anything to happen. It takes almost five minutes just to load the language data ! (on a flashy new computer with good specifications).
It's very hard to use on a laptop as well -- mine heats up and wastes battery power spinning the language disk. You even have to uninstall ALL CD copy software you might happen to own.... What a pain !
In this tech era I am sure they could offer a user account to authorize a computer similar to what iTunes Store has done for Macitosh. Even iSale for Macintosh has this feature. I think they are being lazy at our expense.
This is a MAJOR FAILING of this software and is the FIRST thing you learn well before you even hear a single word. You will quickly bore of this cost-saving effort that places the onus of Rosetta Stone security on YOU and your hard working optical drive.
I have bought the program, and they have my money so they aren't listening to me. You on the other hand should complain about this problem before considering a purchase. For what you pay for this very expensive and very simple program, the least they can do is make it more user friendly.
 The best product in the worst category February 28, 2005
heartburn
70 out of 74 found this review helpful
If you have your heart set on learning a language while sitting at the computer, then this is the best computer based language learning program there is. The competition in this genre is terrible. Rosetta Stone software is stable and usable. And it is the only program I've seen with a user interface that doesn't look like a children's book.
Having said that, I wouldn't recommend that anyone who is serious about learning a language use a computer program as a primary tool. Sure, you need a computer to load up your mp3 player and write to your foreign language speaking pen pal. But it takes some really serious determination to sit your butt in a chair, night after night for hours learning Spanish. Don't set yourself up for failure.
Unless you are a very exceptional learner, you're going to have to practice for at least a half-hour every day. For me, that means fitting it into my lifestyle. I study while I'm driving, washing dishes, waiting in line, whenever. And I've been doing it for years. If I had to sit in front of a computer, it wouldn't have lasted a week.
If you still really want computer based language training, this is the best I've seen. I believe they've added a third level to the Spanish program which should make it more complete. The boxed edition is very pricey, but Rosetta Stone has an online version for which you can pay monthly. They also have sample lessons on the website.
I would recommend starting with an mp3 player and a good comprehensive audio course (Pimsleur or Platiquemos). Forget the computer programs, or use them as a supplement.
Don't buy this: costs too much, teaches too little, boring August 25, 2005
rever (Tennessee)
69 out of 75 found this review helpful
I am replacing a former slightly better review with one based on many months of trying to get something of value out of this program.
This is overpriced, overhyped, boring software. You will look at many pictures and do the same point and click, speak into the mike, type on the keyboard exercises many times. You will not learn any Spanish to help you travel or talk to your neighbors about much of anything except falling boys, jumping horses, and old red cars. The verb forms you are introduced to first will not be the correct ones for speaking of present events (see another review for more on this problem). You will pay a lot of money and never be able to legally resell the software to recoup your loss.
Instead, buy a book/CD combination. If you want to read, buy "Spanish for Reading," absolutely the best introduction for reading Spanish there is. You will learn much more for a smaller investment of time. If you really want software (not, in my opinion, all that good a way to learn, and I've tried lots of software), go for TeLL Me More Spanish, also expensive but with much more material and many more varied learning exercises.
Don't buy this. The whole Rosetta Stone series is a triumph of marketing over actual value.
They lie to you to get you to buy November 19, 2005
McBlaster (Canada)
66 out of 76 found this review helpful
Rosetta Stone claims there is a return policy of 6-months, I tried to return the product after 1-month and they wouldn't refund my money. I had actually called them on the phone and asked them before I bought the CD, and they assured me that the refund policy would apply. So, I got taken...
Don't relay on a return policy, and don't buy this product unless you are certian you won't be upset when you get screwed.
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