Julie, I would prefer a hardware synth that would plug into an internal slot in a laptop, in order to maintain maximum portability. I have not yet found an internal speech synthesizer for laptops. If such hardware is not available, then I will use my Doubletalk LT, which plugs into an RS-232 serial connection, and has its own battery. The manufacturer of the Doubletalk LT (RC Systems www.rcsys.com) also makes the Tripletalk speech synthesizer, which might be a good choice for you, since it connects to a laptop via a USB connection, and would not need its own battery. Alan Julie wrote: What other considerations are there with an external synthesizer? I am looking at up-dating my laptop and would love to know if I should be going with an external synth or at least if I should plan on the option when I am not portable to use a quicker solution. Julie