Just a few points, a goto scope such as the Lx90 or Lx200 are great for just setting up and viewing the night sky. They are also good for astrophotgraphy. With the goto you can simply order up what object you want to look at and it will slew onto the target. A dob on the other hand does not have this ability and you will be forced to learn where something is the hard way. I have been through this and now am glad I bought the LX200 (now on my 5th scope in 30 years).
The 8" L90 is a good scope; a mate of mine has one and when compared side by side I was able to view objects with lower magnitudes, but only just.
Added to this, it is way lighter and costs a lot less. It does not have the convenience of the GPS but that is a small thing.
All Meade scopes have plastic gears now. So slewing must be done carefully. Never had a problem with mine, but I have heard of some people having trouble with the gears. Balance is the key with this scope.
A dob will get you started but I recommend the L90. Take the "chief" to a viewing night and see if you can look through a Lx90. She will be sold and you will get the scope you want. Everything revolves around price and what you want to do with the scope. If your budget is limited go for the dob, you can always sell it later and get the Meade or celestron.
Anyway just my opinion.
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