Help in buying my first telescope

[Popeye (Bert)]

G'day Simon. Really interested in how you are getting on with your venture into this absorbing hobby. Can you give us an update, please?
Cheers!
Bert

[BOBBY]

Hi Simon
I live in Perth, and know its a little frustrating trying to get a look at different types of gear. They used to be a shop Sience World in the city who were Meade dealers but they closed a number of years ago. The shop in Malaga is Ok but a bit limited to the range they carry. I bought a Meade from Bintel in Sydney The guys there know the works about them in fact a couple are factory trained by Meade, but I guess it would be the same for a reputable Celestron Dealer. If you are considering a SCT give me a call and try out mine
Anyway best of luck

[Sitt (Simon)]

Nothing really to report Bert, still looking at every available moment.
I have seen a couple of secound hand scopes on this site and also EBAy but the prie that people want for them is not too far off what you can get a new equivelant telescope for. The only real benefit is that you seem to get a number of accessories with them...
As this would be my first telescope I would ideally want to go the secound hand route just incase I don't take to the hobby.
I think it's just a case of waiting to see what comes along for the right price. Ideally, I would prefer to a Meade as I've done alot of background work on them and they seem to be a very good and popular choice.
I think what I need to do is pull my finger out and get to see ASWA so that I can see what I would be buying before I actually fork out the money.
Bobby, thanks for the offer I may take you up on that although I'm not sure whereabouts in Perth you are - I'm in Ocean Reef btw.
Thanks for all your advice guys, you all have been really helpfull.
Simon