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Well thanks very much everyone for the advice, it is very much
appreciated! I have to say I was a bit confused by some comments
regarding quality as I thought Meade scopes were good quality, which is
why I was looking at them, but I do understand I was looking at very
inexpensive models. However since everyone seems to think a nice
Dobsonian is the go so that's what I'll probably do.
I've got a 4WD ute with lockable fibreglass canopy which can hold a
single bed sized mattress flat so I can probably carry probably any
size scope I 'm likely to purchase at this time, as long as my arms
& legs are up to carrying the bits once I reach my destination.
I very much appreciate the invitation's from Paul and "Astroron" to
come along to one of your evenings, would love to come along (work
roster permitting - 24/7/365 shiftwork) and as soon as I have time to
figure how to send a private message on here I'll be in touch. As I
work either 3 to 11 pm or 11pm to 7am it may be a while before I'll be
able to catch up with you folks in person, so I'll probably buy
something soon-ish instead of waiting to check out some other people's
pride and joy's. Otherwise the money I do have aside will get eaten
away by car bills, vet bills, insurance bills, other bills, etc, before
I can make a purchase.
I found a litle time this afternoon to phone both Andrews Comm's (was
lucky enough to have Lee Andrews answer the phone, VERY helpful man who
took the time to explain a number of things to me) and I also called Bintel
and spoke to a lady there briefly as well. I may be ordering something in the
next few days, and admit I am leaning towards buying from Andrews, though
I have read the comments on this site regarding Bintel's impressive customer
care, pre delivery check, etc.
Again, I welcome any comments from the crowd here.
There is only $50 difference betwen the Skywatycher 10" and the GS-680
deluxe version at Andrew's, would anyone care to offer opinion as to
whether there's much difference to be gained for the extra bucks.
Apparently I'm only looking at $50 or so for delivery to my area, which
came as a very pleasant surprise as I'd been imagining $100 or more.
I look forward to talking to you all more on here - have a great day/night!
Steve
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