[Hyperchaotic]

I was wondering if my iMac could give me a hand learning Mandarin. Google reveals some MacOS apps for this purpose but it is impossible for me to see what is good or not. Any recommendations will be very much appreciated

[CaptainHaddock]

Leaving the software end of things for a moment, I have one word for you: Pimsleur. I've never seen a system as effective for teaching you a language as the Pimsleur audio CDs. Get ahold of Mandarin I, II, and III however you can — borrow a copy from the library, buy secondhand through a buy-back program, whatever — rip it, and put it on your iPod. You can go from ignorant to conversational in a month.

Back on the topic of software, iFlash (http://loopware.com/iflash/) is a pretty good flashcard program to help you learn your hanzi. Overall, though, I've never found much use for language-learning software. It's much better to get a few good books and a native speaker you can practice with.

[Randman]

You can get decent language audiobooks (including Pimsleur) from audible.com. Don't know if the iTMS has them (but you can get some decent Asian artists on the iTMS).

There's also a few software programs for OS X on language learning. A couple of years ago, an electronics store had a deal going on and I picked up Mandarin (I've taken some classes in it and can speak a little bit), Malay, Thai and Japanese (know a few words and phrases in each language). I've not much with the software but I have listened to Pimsleur for German, French, Mandarin and Arabic.