software speech for speakup

[Stephen Dawes]

As a laptop user, I to like the idea of a PCMCIA card, but think that Kirk's
idea of a synth that fits into a USB module might be more practical and
flexible.  I don't know of a way of connecting a PCMCIA device to a desk
top, but know that current laptops support USB.  This would allow for
someone to use the same device in more then one settings.  At home on their
desktop, and with their laptop when travelling, or, just to put in their
pocket to use both at work and home on desktops.

Kirk, what kind of speech could you expect out of such a one chip does all
approach?  Secondly, correct me if I am wrong here, but can you not draw
your power from the USB port, and thus eliminating the need for the balky
power sources that currently drive speech synths?



Stephen Dawes B.A. B.Sc.
Web Business Office, The City of Calgary
PHONE:  (403) 268-5527. FAX: (403) 268-6423
E-MAIL ADDRESS:  sdawes at gov.calgary.ab.ca




> -----Original Message-----
> From: speakup-admin at braille.uwo.ca
> [mailto:speakup-admin at braille.uwo.ca]On Behalf Of Kirk Wood
> Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2001 4:54 PM
> To: speakup at braille.uwo.ca
> Subject: Re: software speech for speakup
>
>
> The whole thing is that a synth could be built on a single chip fitting
> into the modular plug that is typically found on a USB cable. Or, it could
> be placed in small box along with volume controls. The catch would be to
> forego the power (and space) hungry speaker.
>
> The PCMCIA synth sounds like a great idea also. In fact, my mind jumps to
> enabling said device (and drivers) such that speech is started when it is
> inserted. Then you can later shut down the speech output and remove the
> device. Both of these technologies support hot swap. I don't have much
> experiance with them in Linux, but in Windows a program can be launched on
> insert. I would think Linux could support such as well.
>
> If the technology was there, preasure could be exerted to make the server
> room accessible to the blind.
>
> =======
> Kirk Wood
> Cpt.Kirk at 1tree.net
>
> Nothing is hard if you know the answer or are used to doing it.
>
>
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