I am setting up a laptop (Sony VAIO PCG-4?) for my learning disabled son (age 11). I have previously used MicroSoft 2Kpro and XPpro / Office 2K platforms for text-to-speech applications as that is what most commercial LD Assist software is written for. However, with MS now requiring that one inventories ones entire computer software configuration with them before getting updates to their software coupled with the high risk nature of doing without those updates, I am reluctant to continue this practice.
What I am looking for is a robust, good quality, text-to-speech reader that can work with Open Office under CentOS4. I have googled extensively but frankly I need a bit of guidance as to what is the best of breed available. If the package uses/supports ATT Natural Voices as an option then that would be wonderful as I already have the necessary licences for those voices. Does anyone here have any experience with this type of software and can recommend a particular package? Commercial apps. are fine. It is functionality I am after, not economies.
My next requirement will be an OCR package equivalent in function and accuracy to AABBY Fine Reader. Any suggestions there?
Regards, Jim