Learning Spanish by Distance Learning

I tried both Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur and found Pimsleur to be more effective (in terms of retention and cost). But Pimsleur also only focuses on speaking and understanding. The standard program doesn't address reading and writing.

But you can get Pimsleur for around $30 per unit and supplement with a mountain of free podcasts, audio books, actual books and spanish language radio before you ever approach the cost of Rosetta Stone. I imagine that different people learn languages in different ways. If RS works well for you then go for it. But I've had better success with Pimsleur (and free or low cost supplementals) at a much lower price tag.

Still, very good to know that Berlitz is still in the game. I was reading something the other day involving a young woman who attended a Berlitz School in Chicago for French in the 20's and it kind of made me think of them.