hardware or software synths

[Hart Larry]

I completely agree with Karen, speech is generally a quite individual item. 
For some of us, just because it talks, doesn't mean its understandable, but 
some like it as fast as it will go.
If you want something in software which will practicly sound like JAWS running 
IBM TTS, last time I ran that here some years ago the volume would not increase 
past a certain level.
I myself have a DecTalk USB, but there are certainly issues.  As far as e-speak 
or festival, I  would just about say, they are not understandable.
Hope all of our suggestions will asist you in finding what works best.
Hart