#GENERAL
Betty,
At the risk of starting a holy war over computers, IF your two main
concerns are sound quality and a very large quantity of talking software
for primary grades, I would suggest that you investigate the Apple IIGS.
It has an Ensoniq sound chip built-in (same one that is used in the Mirage
music synthesizer – 32-generator, 15-voice Digital Oscillator Chip with 64K
of dedicated sound RAM) and there is lots of educational software for it
that supports speech. The Apple II series is still the most widely used
computer in primary schools in North America.
Be warned though that if you walk into an Apple dealership, they'll
probably say: "Oh, Apple has stopped making the IIGS, here let me show you
a Macintosh
..". Don't believe them – Apple still makes, sells and supports the Apple
//e and IIGS, although they aren't very vocal about it.
Your best bet is to contact your local Apple II User Group or a school
board and see if they can show you something. I believe that if you phone
Apple, they can tell you the name & phone number of an Apple II User Group
in your area.
BTW, I own both an Apple IIGS and an Amiga 2000, and I like them both – for
different reasons and applications.
Allan