Linux distro and questions

[Linux for blind general discussion]

Well Brian, I can answer 2 items in your list. Yes, Speakup has a quite good 
review function, similar but lots better than NVDA in windows. What really comes 
in handy are the cut-and-past ability which I use all the time. As for your 
laptop, why not try Vinux 5.1, currently based on Ubuntu, but soon switching to 
Fedora.
O-and-there is also a Fenrar screen-reader, but I know little about it.
Chime