word sound engine

Aruls works only for one word at a time. Future versions will include whole sentences
Actually windows 7 narrator is pretty good as well
Turn on and use Narrator just type into search >  Narrator
pin to taskbar so you can open quickly, the icon looks like a screen.
and no need to use the internet, she can read as you type when you enable Echo User Strokes
Open Voice Settings  for Adjustable speed
to slow down the reading for full sentences or just one word,
Sits on the taskbar
It was quite funny as she tries to echo my key strokes - as I
type with everything I was just doing with the snipping tool to show you, she read it out loud. lol
When you want to hear a pronunciation open a word and type it in
When you type up an email
in a browser.
anything you can type in to she will read it.
I haven't seen a male voice as yet but have no problem with hers.

keyboard shortcut if you like.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows7/Hear-text-read-aloud-with-Narrator
If you wanted to mess with the registry
Get new Microsoft narrator voices?
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Get_new_Microsoft_narrator_voices
cheers

Mac has a command line program called 'say' which does what it says. "say hello there" reads you what you have after 'say' command.
   http://www.gabrielserafini.com/blog/2008/08/19/mac-os-x-voices-for-using-with-the-say-command/

CyanBlue