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Congratulations on considering a new obsession! The hobby can be quite addictive.
I would agree that the two scopes you are considering are basically the same and buying on price is okay. I like the idea of having the shops walk you through collimation a grand idea. That is exactly what I did at Bintel when I bought my first scope. I was surprised at how much more sense it made to me after I walked through it in store.
I would suggest using the supplied eyepieces for a while as they are pretty good and more observation and experience will be useful in determining what other eyepiece attributes you like before you spend your hard earned money on the premium stuff.
I find an adjustable height chair is a great sidekick to an 8 inch Dobsonian reflector. Bintel has a fine one or alternatively you could make or source your own. While not strictly necessary, I found that my first 8 inch Dobsonian mounted reflecting scope was at an awkward height for me and that much time at the eyepiece made my old bones ache. An adjustable height chair eliminated the discomfort and opened hours of viewing enjoyment to me (your mileage may vary).
The computer and internet are pretty handy for finding free sky charts/maps and an old torch that has had the lense painted red makes a fine red light torch(nail polish works surprising well).
After that I would spend some time under the stars before spending any more money...
Hope you get as much fun from looking up as I have found.
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