Totally agree. With limited mandarin, when comparing Beijing, Shanghai and Taipei, I understand lots more in Taipei than the other two cities. They just speak mandarin 'clearer'. Less slurs, and 'ar's.

I'm still trying to find a learning conversational chinese audio cd that's made from Taiwan. All the ones I can get in the states are from China and use the Beijing mandarin.

and just to be on topic, Taipei reminds me of HK in the 80s. It's just not as modern as HK today.