like @A MyAutismTeam Member said proloquo2go is by far the best I have seen as far as function and programing/editing....for a much lower price (free versions I believe) is alexicom...and just a warning taptotalk is AWFUL

I agree. My son has been using the Proloquo2Go for several years. Easy to program and use for different situations and different locations like school, church, community, etc. Yes is pricey but so worth it.

5 check around october (special needs moth) april (autism awareness month) and other times too, this is when you are most likely to find good deals.
6 check with your insurance. Often they can cover part of the cost. My insurance said NO to the ipad. But I did get them to admit that depending on circumstance. (I got mostly runaround) a ipad program MAY be covered under "communication program for personal computer or pda" you will have to goto your insurances site pull the autism coverage PFD/documents go through it and find out which codes your insurance will cover then call and ask to speak with someone knowledgeable.

Pands... ty for taptotalk information.
My advice
1 join several free app sites/facebook/twitter pages such as imums, smart apps for kids, appymall, a4cwsn, etc. They often have reviews and will tell you when when things go on sale or free.
I have 8 AAC most I got for free.
2 start with a simple age appropriate program. For my son we started with "picture board" this is basicly a first words app but will familiarizehim with the concept. However if your child is in school a better starter app may be "so much to say" about $25? It gives you advice on how to use the program its not MOM/programer friendly but is very CHILD/communicator friendly
3 alexicom is good and customizable but there is a subscription fee. However there are hundreds of preprogramed pages you can edit to meet your needs. Creating a page is OK not easy not difficult and you can lock the editing functions too.
4 AVAZ proloquo and several others are also highly recomended for child through a dult users.

ablevox acc free and the full version is only $60.00 i think