Rosetta Stone V3: Spanish (Latin America), Level 1 Reviews

• Excellent product -works if you take the time

  
  By A1NUXDEQWZ526F on 2008-02-21
  As a 50+ learner I wondered how well I'd retain the information but it's been great. The format makes it fun & appealing while the word/picture association facilitates retention. We have all 3 levels and I'm currently on the last session of Level 1 (after 6 weeks). While it says it's a single user product, you CAN install the Version 3 on two computers; however both installations cannnot be running simultaniously (I called Rosetta Stone about this & we're doing this w/ husbands & my computers). The microphone set-up is great to hear yourself speak & make corrections as needed. Since Rosetta Stone provides no written Spanish (ie book) a good English-Spanish dictionary is helpful or having a free-translation window open on your computer for occasional clarification. Also it helps to look at some free websites that explain general sentence structure and word tense in the Spanish language. If you're consistent in it's use, quiz yourself mentally during daily activities, and proceed at a comfortable pace (too slow & you lose momentum, too fast & you forget) you'll be speaking Spanish in no time. I've learned far more in the past month with this product than I did taking a weekly conversational Spanish class at the local community college.
  
  

• a software note

  
  By A1KBRU1L40DTJY on 2007-12-27
  This product is sold as licensed software. Users will NOT be able to load it onto more than one computer. This aspect of the product is not clear from the blurbing on the Rosetta Stone website. It is a "single-user" product.
  Don't think that you can share this with friends, or that it is appropriate for a lending collection.
  
  
  

• Good Product, Unfair Corporate Policy

  
  By A3NGOG8Z78AZSD on 2008-08-13
  I bought Rosetta Stone Levels 1 & 2 for my son to keep up his language skills over the summer. He never really got into the programs, using them for only an hour or two, so I decided not to keep them. Because we were beyond the 30-day return period, I decided to list the discs on eBay, to try to recover some of my $300. I received a legal notice saying that Rosetta Stone would not permit the sale. Rosetta Stone said that I hadn't really bought the programs, just a license to use them, and that I couldn't sell the packages I had paid over $300 for. Legally, they're probably right, but this corporate policy is unfair, and it's a poor way to treat customers. I paid good money for this product, it didn't have the value I expected, and now they're legally blocking me from selling it to somebody else. That just isn't right. I don't think I've ever left a negative review like this before, but potential buyers deserve to know how Rosetta Stone treats customers after the fact.
  
  

• Just getting started, but like it.

  
  By A3R6QL6U1SOQ0H on 2008-01-07
  Installed product, got the microphone hooked up, and then needed to not do the speaking portion of the lessons. Just felt overwhelmed with learning the words, and trying to speak at the same time.
  
  I like the immersion concept. Just look at the pictures and see the words/phases and try to recall them. I'm a visual learner, so this is great for me. If you are not a visual learner this may not be for you.
  
  I have images of pictures in my head now, with spanish words/phrases to go with it. Which is much better for me than grammar drilling, etc.
  
  I'm NEW NEW NEW to spanish. I've never taken any spanish classes in school or anywhere else, and would appreciate it if those who HAVE prior knowlege of spanish or have taken Spanish formally in a classroom situation, or are a native spanish speakers, do not try to tell a NEW NEW spanish learners if this product will be good or bad for them, you don't know because you already know the language basics. You have a context to base your learning on, whereas an over 40 person who has never taken spanish is learning very differently than you, and is like a baby learning a new language. Which is what I'm hoping this product helps with. I'm learning like a new baby. Hear it, connect it with some images, and hopefully I'll integrate all this in and be able to speak it.
  I've watched my infant/toddler learn, and they don't start speaking immediately with understandable words until they have a vocabulary foundation, and see the words in action, and they are looking at you and what you're saying and visually what its connected to. Then later they start to speak or repeat. Why people who create language learning product for adult beginners think adults should not learn like babies do is beyond me, but I think the Rosetta folks get it!
  
  But who knows for sure. I'm giving it a shot with this product.
  
  

• Rosetta Stone a Disappointment

  
  By A2U9RVQ2E97M4U on 2007-11-14
  Rosetta Stone V3 Spanish (Latin America) Level 1 Personal Edition (Win/Mac)I have never been able to get a satisfactory launch of this product. Indications point to an incomplete install but no error messages appear until I try and run the program. Even after 5 re-installs I get error messages as soon as I hit the "go" button. The most irksome msg claimed that "There was an error in the application" (like I didn't know that.) Other errors, without an associated message, were a complete crash of the program immediately upon launch. A inquiree to product support was answered with the suggestion that I might not have enough RAM. Hogwash! I've loaded and run over 15 programs on this almost new computer, some very big, without so much as a hiccup.
  Rosetta Stone has been a big disappointment. I will return it to Amazon
  
  
• YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS
  By A2R1HUYHXV7H18 on 2008-06-05
  You cannot legally sell this software when you are done with it. They threatened to sue me when I did - they said I had not bought the software, but a license for the software and it was nontransferrable - that I did not have the right to even GIVE it away.
  
  
• Muy Bueno...awesome product
  By ALBB67UC48H4G on 2007-10-05
  I had a remedial understanding of the Spanish language. Rosetta Stone is teaching me basic Spanish quickly and easily just as it promises. If you commit about 30-60 minutes a day, I am sure it can work for anyone. I really like this program and look forward to completing all three levels.
  
  
  
  
• Rosetta Stone V3 Latin American Spanish Level 1
  By A17WG968DGXEUX on 2007-11-15
  Rosetta Stone V3 Spanish (Latin America) Level 1 Personal Edition (Win/Mac)
  
  I was about halfway through the old version when this came out and decided to try it.
  
  It is really good, and although the old version was also quite good, this one is much more so. The lessons and the review management are particularly well designed. The language method is much improved and more realistic. The immersion method they've implemented is so good that I don't use the notes I used to use, and also don't refer to my Spanish dictionaries as often as I did with the old version.
  
  It is so pleasant to use that I'm not taking as many breaks as I did with the old version. In fact, my progress is so fast I'll have to order Level 2 much sooner than expected.
  
  Tom in Arkansas
  
  
• Do Not Buy This Software. Corporate Policy Unfair.
  By A1W2NVSIQ94ERB on 2008-07-15
  I bought Rosetta Stone Japanese and Spanish (Latin America) in the last couple of years. I found them (particularly Japanese) a bit difficult. Last week in an airport, a Rosetta representative said I needed the new version - it is very much better. I called Rosetta Stone and they offered me a price of $399, $100 off of $499. This is a pretty harsh upgrade route and left me disappointed. I am not the US Government or an institution, just an individual trying to better myself and this is way too expensive. I can return original disks for the upgrade. They have not quite worn out. Perhaps an updgrade with a media fee of say $25 would be fair. Their policy is not a fair policy and I cannot recommend anyone do business with Rosetta Stone.
  
  
• Excellent!
  By A1WELAVNASNUGA on 2008-06-27
  I'm mainly writing this to give an alternative to some of the other reviews I've read. First, I'm 60 years old, and using an Imac and a PowerBook g4.
  
  I had no trouble installing this on either machine. I have a simple set-up, just a home network, so maybe that's why, but it was no trouble.
  
  It is not a "mac-like" interface, but it's also no trouble to use. I understood it from the get-go. I want to emphasize that I installed--and use it--on both computers.
  
  The software itself is both fun to use, easy to "get" and in depth so far as the language is concerned. If you just do it in order, you'll end up being able to read, speak and write Spanish in a grammatically correct fashion. Even though I'm 60, I have zero trouble remembering and understanding things. Of course, I have it on two computers, so I do a lesson on my Imac at night before bed, then do the same lesson again the next day on my PowerBook. I also bought the audio disks. I put them on my Ipod and use them to review each lesson once during the day. I can do all this because each lesson only takes a few minutes.
  
  I plan to start reading one of the Spanish newspapers in our area, even if I don't get most of it. I try out my skills every time I go to a Mexican restaurant. They are very nice about helping me.
  
  This is excellent software. Don't let reviews scare you off. You'll learn from it, and you'll enjoy doing it.
  
  
• need basic spanish 1st
  By ASA8QOPLB8AWD on 2007-11-06
  I think you need to have had some prior experience studying the language before this course can help you.
  
  
• Fine Software, but very customer UN-freindly company
  By AJ86APDXOEA9L on 2008-08-29
  I'm giving this product a "2", only because of the company's behavior, not because of the product. The product is good, but overpriced. If the price and company were reasonable, it could warrant a 4.
  
  I have purchased Rosetta Stone products twice. Most recently V.3 German, level III, hoping to brush up on my abilities. I found though, that level III really still was not up to my level (I've been active with the language for 22 years). So, I sought to simply resell it and recoupe some of my money.
  
  However, I found that Rosetta Stone and Amazon, along with other retailers, have entered into an unholy pact to stop customers from reselling the products that they have bought and paid for. Imagine buying a car down at your local dealer, and when you go to resell it, they block you from selling, and no newspaper will take your ad! Isn't this called racketeering or something? Despicable!
  
  So, reluctantly, I must say that I can no longer recommend Rosetta Stone products, even though they are essentially fine language learning tools. The company however, has devolved from one nobly engaged in spreading knowledge and making, I'm sure, a tidy profit, into a mere money-grubbing operation.
  
  There are numerous other language learning software and methods out there that work well, don't cost as much, and are produced by admirable companies. I, for instance, became fluent in German without ever even having heard of Rosetta Stone. Until Rosetta stone relents on this racket they are in with Amazon and other sellers, I will not buy another product from them.
  
  
• Much More Entertaining and Efficient than Classes
  By ABUMLIPA1ZUBP on 2008-02-24
  This is an excellent resource for learning a new language. I had taken two years of high school Spanish before using this product and didn't learn as much as I had learned after the first two weeks of using Rosetta stone. The only thing that I dislike about the product is that it uses too much memory to leave it running in the background all the time. Other than that, I would most definitely recommend it to any one who wants to quickly learn a new language in their spare time.
  
  
• Hola!
  By A3RZQSFUEORXA3 on 2008-04-22
  This product is great! It exceeded my expectations by having a voice activated option which allows you to speak to the computer and have your pronunciation recognized. This gives you the ability to make sure you are not only learning the words but speaking them correctly as well!
  
  I would highly recommend this and I intend to buy other versions as I progress!
  
  Adios!
  
  
• Pretty good but the headphones are poor quality
  By A6CSKXM0BT7A4 on 2008-08-02
  I am currently in using the product and I think it's great. I'm a visual learner so it works out but I do have to say that you should get a Spanish to English dictionary. The headphones\microphone that come with the software are not very good. Even speaking in a clear loud voice it misses words. I'm not talking about hard to say ones, it misses words like "el" and "la" even with several attempts. I used the onboard mic on my laptop and it seems to be better.
  
  Other than the headphones I am pleased with the software so far.
  
  
• Happy Customer
  By AYAM2XBBSI1DW on 2008-07-26
  I'm a beginner-beginner and had never studied Spanish until this May when I started the Rosetta Stone Spanish Latin America level I. So far, I'm very satisfied with my progress. I've only covered 9 lessons (Lesson 1.1-3.2--still Level I), but I know how to count 1-20, identify colors (many), say greetings, ask basic questions (what is...? When...? Where...? What color...? Who is...? etc.), structure present-progressive sentences and many more.
  
  The only drawback is that "writing" portion is very short and you may not be able to spell well. But you can download "course content" online and practice writing. (Go to the Rosetta Stone website. You should be able to find "download course content.")
  
  For those people who have never learned ANY foreign language, it may be a daunting task to learn without a textbook. But you can use the "Course Content" and check vocabulary before starting a lesson. Yes, if you want to be fluent, you need to do some "extra" works. (which means that you need a good Spanish-English/English-Spanish dictionary in addition to the Rosetta Stone. Yep, learning is not cheap!)
  
  Lastly, you cannot just sit and expect that the Rosetta stone will make you a fluent Spanish speaker. You have to work hard. Persistence and determination are two important things in learning. Good luck!
  
  
  
  
• Rosetta Stone Espanol
  By A2BDSTPH63X43D on 2007-11-02
  Hola, Rosetta works good and last a long time. Working through the course, so far, so good. Adios.
  
  
• Awesome!
  By AFSY8L2H1HFPN on 2008-07-09
  So far I've only finished the first unit, but I'm really impressed. I took Spanish for 5 years in high school, was never very good at it, and never got to the point where I could "think" in the language--I always had to translate from English to Spanish to say/write anything. Needless to say I eventually forgot everything I learned in high school and recently decided to pick the language back up. In contrast to the way I learned the language in high school (which involved learning the English definitions of Spanish words, e.g. manzana=apple), Rosetta Stone shows the user pictures of objects/situations that convey the meaning of words/phrases. This is enormously helpful in getting used to thinking in the language, and while at this point I certainly couldn't carry on a conversation in Spanish (like I said, I only finished the first unit), I don't need to translate the words and phrases I can say from English to Spanish--which feels great!
  
  
• Interesting and Fun!
  By A1V344BH6YYK2 on 2008-03-04
  I am really enjoying learning from this program. It's interesting and I feel more confident because of the newest feature of using the microphone headset. It's varied and complete without being boring.
  
  
  My computer is having a hard time with the software and after about 20 minutes of use, I get an error and the program shuts down. I am working on defragging and compressing, as well as cleaning up unused programs in the hope that this will clear up my difficulties with Rosetta Stone, as I have no problems with other software I run.
  
  I look forward to each lesson and know I am learning because foreign language words automatically pop into my brain when I hear someone speaking the language I am learning.
  
  
• Good program
  By A2WOJK6P0K7DDX on 2008-05-02
  This is an interesting concept in language learning. There is absolutely no English tanslation. Everything is accomplished through pictures and context. I took Spanish in high school, so I already knew the basics. Even if that weren't the case I think It would work. There are some phrases that are a bit tricky to grasp, so seeking outside help might be useful. There is a lot of repitition, and a heavy emphasis on pronunciation. Be persistant.
  
  
• Well worth the money
  By A2YHQ1K8U290GN on 2008-04-29
  I bought this for my wife, who has wanted to learn Spanish for years. She has found it very instuctive and spends at least an hour a day doing the lessons. She has learned quickly and easily and is almost ready for further lessons. This program is expensive, but well worth it if worked the way Rosetta Stone suggests.
  
  
• Rosetta Stone
  By A27KCA5TNOXHDE on 2008-07-22
  Awesome product. It is complete immersion thus making the learning process fun and difficult at the same time. I have learned a significant amount of spanish already and I am only halfway done with the first cd. I would definitely recommend this product.
  
  
• Very Simple to Use
  By AL84LJ9Y2ZKMS on 2008-06-17
  Rosetta Stone is very simple to use. However having a Spanish book, or obviously a native speaker to supplement the software would make it much more effective. This is because of being tossed directly into the language without a clear translation leaves the door open for some confusion. Overall a great interactive product that is a strong foundation to start learning a new langauge.
  
  
• Easy to use and learn
  By AGSW6C20NWTU8 on 2008-07-21
  I am not a computer person, yet I was able to install this program and begin using it right away. I purchased it for my almost 8 year old to use. I did the first lesson myself so that I could explain it to my daughter. It was easy to do and just as easy to understand what to do. This program of learning spanish uses total submersion. There is NO ENGLISH at all in the parts that we have done so far, with the exception of chosing the level where you need to work and getting your grade about how you did. If my duaghter doesn't score high enough to show understanding, then I know it because of her score given at the end of each lesson. I can then have her repeat it until she understands. My seven year old daughter is able to do it and enjoys it.
  
  
• rossetta stone
  By ATL0Q6K7T7YLI on 2007-12-26
  Gave this to my daughter for Christmas. So far, she is ahhpy. she is learning spanish and can already speak a couple of sentences.
  
  
• Excellent product to begin on the long road of learning a new language.
  By A3JZ7DE0K86M2K on 2008-05-15
  I have really been trying hard to learn Spanish over the past 5 years. After purchasing Rosetta Stone, I feel like I've learned more in the last few weeks than in those last 5 years I have been studying. The layout and the structure of the way they teach you helps you retain the vocabulary (which some say is most important!) and Spanish language structure.
  
  If anyone is looking to learn a new language I would highly reccomend this product!
  
  
• Linda
  By A198HLRD2HI7NG on 2008-01-20
  I was extrememly pleased with Amazon on this purchase.
  I wasn't sure it would arrive before Christmas, so, we purchased another.
  The return policy, and handling by Amazon were INCREDIBLE!! I thought it would take me a couple of months of writting back and forth. It was so quick and painless, I could hardly believe it. I will not hesitate to buy anything on Amazon.com, and have told several co-workers of the positive experience. THANK YOU !
  
  
• spanish rosetta stone product
  By A3MZ6HVJCKGKSY on 2008-01-27
  Product arrived quickly in time for the holidays. Purchased for son in Military. Very pleased with purchase.
  
  
• Rosetta. . . a great product !!
  By A2EW3SUEYIBRH1 on 2008-02-22
  We have been to Mexico and Central America for years and finally decided it would be more enjoyable to communicate better with the locals. We enjoy going in to the small colonies to see culture. Rosetta Stone has visual learning techniques which is my favorite way to learn. Great product.
  Dwight Hille
  
  
• New Hispanic
  By A2JNALJTM189PJ on 2008-04-08
  I got the item fast. But down loading the cd made me headache. I had to have my niphew to help me as technic problem.
  
  

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