Suggested Best Platform

I am working on a project which has the following requirements:

  1. DTMF decoding
  2. Speech synthesis
  3. Touch display
  4. 8 relay switches

I have found add ons that will covers all of these requirements. The problem is how to add all of these to one arduino board and still be able to get it in a project box that isn't a hardware mess. I am thinking of fulfilling the first two requirements via code since the relays will probably end up in a separate box.

I am wondering which would be lowest cost and easiest to code that would have the processing power with room to spare that would handle this project. ARM M3, arduino or PiC?

Thanks,
Mark

How many IO pins are needed for the different functions?
Are any common, like I2C?

From reading through the description of the add-ons most seem to predominantly use serial inputs. You are a step ahead of me on that part though. I am still leaning towards running code for as many of the functions I listed as possible. I can't imagine stacking 3 or 4 shields/add-ons to the top of an Arduino and trying to pack into a good looking project box.

I am leaning towards the sainsmart M3 cortex board that comes with the display. So with this options all that would be left is DTMF, speech and relays.