There's a thread for learning Spanish using books, CDs and tapes, but with the popularity of iPods, there's something new so I thought I'd start a new thread.

I found this website for learning Spanish words and phrases. http://www.cyraknow-audio.com/ At first, I was a bit skeptical, but the cost was cheap ($12.95). It has now gone up to $19.95.

You order the "Rambler" program and a link to download the program is sent to you via e-mail. The directions to upload the program to the iPod was incomplete (or else they thought it was so obvious that they didn't need to explain it completely). I struggled with it, but after two-three hours of working on it, I finally figured it out.

I've been learning Spanish for several years, but without constant practicing, I tend to forget what I've learned so I need something to jog my memory. This iPod progam is the best that I've found.

It's broken down to words and phrases for Communications (Internet, mail, phones), Essentials (greetings, English?, who, what, where, etc.) , Food (ordering, finding, health, etc.), Fun (conversation, entertainment, shopping, sports, etc.), Health (doctor, emergency, symptoms, etc.), Lodging (checking in, leaving, needs, problems, etc.), Money & Numbers, Travel (bus, directions, planes, rental, repair, etc.). For a traveler, it has most every situation covered. You scroll to a word or phrase for a particular situation or subject, e.g., "Can you write it down in English?", click it, and the word or phrase is spoken in very clear Spanish at a regular cadence. It is then repeated at a very s-l-o-w cadence. The slow cadence is great for me because it emphasizes pronouncing the word(s) correctly.

If you're traveling to a Spanish speaking country and you don't speak the language fluently or you need a refresher, I highly recommend this program. The Lonely Planet Spanish Phrase Book is good, but this is better because you actually hear the words or phrases. A book by itself isn't very helpful if you don't know how to pronounce Spanish letters.

For me, it's great because the iPod is easy to carry around and I can listen and learn anywhere. The backlight on the iPod is helpful in those dark restaurants.

I'm sure another iPod program will be developed that is better than this, but for now, this is the perfect learning and traveling tool.

If one hombre does this great. My secret is do pimsleur than rent movies dubbed in spanish and you will think you have landed on another planet. Especially you right brainers.YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.PAZ

I'm a visual learner. I tend to remember words when they're used in a phrase. I also like to read the words as they are being pronounced. I found this website that has some interesting video clips on Spanish phrases: http://www.10things.tv/category/spanish/

I've gotten bored with Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone so this is a change and it's FREE. Some of video clips are basic Spanish, but others were on subject matters that weren't covered by Pimsleur or the Rosetta Stone.

Some comments have been left that the phrases are not correct or just odd. I think words and phrases just varies from country to country.

I was able to upload all the video clips to my iPod which makes it easier to view rather than using a computer.

nice link... how do you download the videos?

I use a MacBook with Firefox & there's a free Firefox plug-in download. Here's a very good tutorial video on how to use the plug-in:

http://www.downloadhelper.net/tutorial.php?id=nfkFO9_SwIo

The YouTube video downloads as an .flv which you have to convert to an MP4. The tutorial video recommends downloading VLC, but I downloaded HandBrake (another free download) which includes VLC.

HandBrake converts the YouTube video from a .flv to an MP4. The MP4 icon appears on my computer desktop. I then drag-and-drop it into iTunes.

It may seem daunting, but it's only a two-click process after you download the Firefox plug-in and HandBrake.

If you've got a PC, I can't help you; but if you've got a Mac, I can give you some additional step-by-step advice if you get stuck. I'm NOT very computer literate so I had a steep learning curve through trial-and-error, but after I figured it out, it's a simple process.

With HandBrake, you can also rip your DVDs to MP4 and drop-and-drag to iTunes and your iPod.

Again, let me know if you need help.

Thanks for the detailed instructions. I've got a pc and will dl the firefox plug in and handbrake, and give it a go.