It may not be much to look at, but the Cambridge Microcomputer Centre's Hamal SC10 profers to let technology speak for itself. The unit is a "type and talk" dedicated speech computer - with a Z80, a Vortex speech chip, and 10K of assorted memory it converts typed text into speech. You can connect it to "any computer with RS232 serial link or Centronics parallel link," CMC says, and it promises a number of refinements that aren't too common in this type of device - pronunciation of various symbols, adjustable speed, four inflexion levels, variable delay times between phrases and a choice of modes. CMC is on 0223-355404. The SC10 costs £149 plus VAT.