what's the difference between mac app store, app store, iTunes store?

If you saying that the App Store on my phone and the App Store section of itunes on my computer are the same store,

It is.

could you please be kind enough to show me how to reach the 724 apps on my computer (just to look at, not to buy) that I get on my iPhone when I type: "chinese transla".

If I search the iTunes Store for "chinese translation", I get dozens of apps listed. Make sure you're searching the iTunes Store, not your library. The search box should say "search store". Also confirm that both your iPhone and iTunes on your computer are pointed to the same country's iTunes Store. Different countries' stores carry different items, so it's possible your computer is pointed to a different country's store. Look at the bottom of the iTunes window and make sure the round flag icon is the one for your country.

Maybe the App Shopper has all the same apps that are on my phone? I just looked, they say they have 1,000 apps. Is this a safe site to buy from?

App Shopper is not a store. The only store you can buy iPhone apps from is the iTunes Store. App Shopper is just a compendium site that lists apps that are available in the iTunes Store. When you click to buy an app, you're taken to the iTunes Store.

Regards.

The terminology can be confusing, I know.

Mac App Store - the place where Apple sells apps for Mac OS X

iTunes Store - the place where Apple sells music, movies, and videos as well as apps for iOS devices

App Store - this can refer to the subset of the iTunes Store where people purchase apps for iOS devices. It can also refer to the app in Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later that you use to connect to the Mac App Store.

If you want to buy apps for your computer from Apple, you need to use the Mac App Store via the App Store app on your computer. If what you want isn't there, then you'll have to look elsewhere to see if some developer sells such an app directly. Unlike with an iOS device, Apple's store is not the only place where you can get applications for Mac OS X. You cannot use any app sold through the iTunes Store on your computer.

Regards.

gmpooch wrote:

Let me give you an example. I look up "Chinese translator" on mac app store from my computer and one item shows up.

Where are you? I get 13 in the US. But those are not the best terms to use, because everyone does translation via online services, like

http://translate.googlecom

If you look up "Chinese" in the mac app store you should get a few dozen apps at least I think.

AppShopper returns several, if you haven't turned any yet:

http://appshopper.com/search/?search=chinese+translator

Perhaps one of those would work for you.

And the App Store app on your iPhone and the "app store" section of iTunes on your computer go to the same store, though the interfaces are unstandably quite different so they look like different entities. It's the Mac App Store, accessed via the App Store app on your computer, that's different.

Regards.

gmpooch wrote:

show me how to reach the 724 apps on my computer (just to look at, not to buy) that I get on my iPhone when I type: "chinese transla".

Open iTunes on your computer, go to the store, and search. You can also buy them there if you want, but they will only run on an iOS device.

The App Store on your computer can only show you apps for the Mac.

The App Store has programs for OS X that run on Mac

The iTunes App Store has programs for iOS the runs on mobile devices such as iPod, iPad, and iPhone

Just to make sure it's clear, the App Store app on your iPhone connects you to the iTunes Store for apps for the iPhone. Those apps will not work on your Mac.