Speak and Spell original 1978 Texas Instruments boxed working English voice

Original Texas Instruments Speak & Spell from 1978 – the classic version with the flat membrane keyboard, not the recent re-issue. This is the "English Voice" edition sold in Ireland and the UK, so it speaks with an English accent rather than the American one.

Fully working – it powers on, speaks, and the vacuum fluorescent display works (shown lit in the photos). Every button has been tested and works. I can send a video of it running and speaking. A genuine piece of computing history: this was one of the first consumer products with electronic speech synthesis, famous from E.T. and later loved by musicians for circuit bending.

Includes:
- Speak & Spell unit (orange, flat keyboard, carry handle)
- Original box ("English Voice" edition)
- "Fun With Words" 31-page illustrated activity book

Runs on 4 x C batteries (not included). Battery compartment is clean with no leak damage – photo included so you can see the contacts.

Condition honestly: the unit itself is in great shape and works as it should. The box is complete but shows its age – creasing and wear to the corners. The activity book is complete and the pages are unmarked, but the cover has come detached (see photo).

A lovely one for collectors, or retro tech fans.

Collection from near Kildare, or contact me and we'll see if it's possible to meet somewhere.