Hi all. I'm very much a newbie to this hobby--new in the sense that I
haven't even gotten my license yet, haven't even begun to study up,
but I've occasionally listened to shortwave/CB radio transmissions and
am hooked, so I'm thinking of getting started and wanted some info.

First, even though I can't transmit, I'd like to purchase a tranceiver
to listen in. Yes, I know I can probably get a receiver for less, but
I'd rather not spend the money for something which will be redundant
later. Unfortunately, shopping around IRL isn't really an option for
me, since I don't personally know any hams or have very many stores
which I can easily reach, so I've been browsing reviews and shopping
online. It looks as if the Alinco DJ-596T may be what I want. Does
anyone have any experience with these, or Alinco radios in general?
Are these a safe bet as far as usability for blind hams is concerned?

Also, I've occasionally seen references to speech synthesizers on this
list. I'm familiar with them as they apply to computers, but radios?
Seems as if there may be speech synthesis for radios based on a few
things I've read, but I've been confused before and may be again. :)
Anyone care to clarify any of that?

TIA.