Ok everybody, I'm looking for the best Italian language CDs that I can use in my car on my long drive to work. I'm planning a trip to Italy in October so I have quite a few months to absorb as much as possible!

i find that each one has its advantages and its disadvantages. for instance, the british one (berlitz?) has tons of complaints ("this pillow is too hard") and alcohol-related phrases. i think the best overall is the old, classic "Pimsleur" c.d.'s -- but there are lots of different levels of that.

i used to buy them, but now i check them out from the library. that way, if i hate one set of lessons, i can move on to the next. it's really a personal thing. our library lets us check out for 4 weeks, and then renew online.
i like being able to test them out, as i've made so many mistakes in the past by buying or downloading the wrong ones for me.
kawh

I have used Pimsleur -- all 3 levels. Each level is about 15 CDs=30 lessons of 30min each. This means about 45 CDs=90 lessons total. Since they are expensive, try hard to find a set from your library. If you are really into learning, you can probably go through 4 CDs/week.

They also have smaller set of 4 CDs, 8 CDs, 16 CDs, etc. They are merely 1st that many subset CDs of the level 1 comprehensive set. You can also buy mp3 downloads, for example at Amazon, for less amount than the physical CDs.

You might also check out the Paul Noble approach -

these were very impressed [as was I with his confidence-boosting French starter/ refresher]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Ital...7139598&sr=8-1

but this reviewer was not

http://www.amazon.com/Collins-Italia...7139757&sr=8-2

My fave is Michel Thomas [i think Paul Noble is along the same lines].

he teaches grammar not just phrases, so you learn how to ask for anything, rather than just two apples or three beers.

your library may have it, or try e-bay or amazon.

with any of these, make sure you get the CDs rather than the cassette tapes.

Great advice everyone! Thanks. And Annhig, good tip about CDs rather than tapes! I can easily see that happening.

Berlitz seems to have a nice combo of vocabulary and phrases for the traveler. Yes, checking them out from the library is a good way to see which fits you best.

About 6 weeks before a trip, I listen to language tapes or CDs while using the nordic trac (sp?) and also while driving. An hour in the car will be super.

I like the free 100 4-minute lessons in traveler's Italian, My Daily Phrase Italian. You can download to your computer and mp3 player. I expect you could burn a CD to use in your car if that's the device you have.
http://radiolingua.com/shows/italian...hrase-italian/

And Annhig, good tip about CDs rather than tapes! I can easily see that happening.>>

it did!

I am liking Pimsleur. I tried borrowing from the library but it became a hassle and ultimately I wanted them for my personal library so I purchased from Amazon. It is a delightful way to spend commuting time!!

I made good use of Pimsleur too during my driving commute. An advantage of Pimsleur is that the pronunciation of each new word is broken down. That was a great help. The lessons are each 1/2 hour long which for me worked out very well. A new lesson each day on way to work, review on way home.