sorry if this post has already been done, it is really early in the AM.

Does anyone know of a relatively inexpensive program either online or cd-rom to interactively learn italian? Everything I am finding is $300 or more. I already have a ton of books but they don't work. I don't have time to take a course.
Thank you.

The only way to learn Italian is by taking a course. Or by moving to Italy

The Pimsleur cd's are just about the best and most comprehensive, but they are expensive--about $300. The language tapes and cd's that are priced from $15-$50 aren't bad, but not complete enough to really "teach" more than the basics. The best solution is to borrow the Pimsleur sets from your local library; many localities will even get them for you from another branch if they don't have them.

I would suggest going to your local library and checking them out. They usually have a number to choose from, you can try a bunch and see what you like. That way you have the ability to take it out for a few weeks, can renew if you like, and then return them all for free!

I'd change my goal.
Buy some inexpensive Berlitz or whoever's tapes with a phrase book, available for $20 in many bookstores.
Learn just a few of the basics: good day, good evening (used after about 3pm), goodbye, please and thank you,do you speak English?, I'm sorry,
how much does it cost, where is... etc. When addressing someone, add on a Signor or Signora, it's more polite
(good morning sir, thank you madam, etc)

If you try anything more amibitious in your questions, you're not likely to understand the answers anyway. Unless you are going to very rural areas, you will find that most people, or someone near by, will speak enough English.
For taxi drivers or train staff, bring a piece of paper with your destination written down.

You'll be fine.

I agree with Elaine, but if you still want an online program, try CYBERITALIAN.com. It offers free trials in three different levels, plus an audio portion so that you can hear how the Italian should sound. I've found it very helpful.

Buona fortuna!

Let me suggest another option. You can RENT the Pimsleur tapes (or CDs) from recordedbooks.com. If you are a new customer (as I was) you can rent up to 4 items for $10 each. They split each Pimsleur set into 2 items, so I rented Pimsleur I and Pimsleur II CDs (4 items total) for $40 plus modest shipping. As for the Pimsleur method in general, I am a BIG fan -- it was easy to listen (and repeat) the CDs in my car on the way to/from work each day.

I am also a big Pimsleur fan. I have tried different methods, even a class, but felt like I had a "dead ear". The CDs really provide you with practice. I had not heard of renting them, but sounds like a great idea. I am on the second set. I got the 1st from the library and the 2nd I found on line for $185.00. When it comes time for level 3, I will probably rent them. I leave for Italy in 3 weeks, so I'll soon see how well I've done !

Check eBay or Amazon before paying $300 for a Pimsleur course. They can usually be found for much less. Also, Elaine makes a very good point about being able to understand the answers.