Well maybe not my next one, but something to aim for!
http://www.celestron.com/c2/product.php?ProdID=90
Why do the big planetary guys use Celestron?? Why not meade?
I can't fault Rumple's c9.25 for viewing M42 and respect asimovs opinion very highly.
Mainly a planetary scope but I do enjoy all facets of astronomy.
Any thoughts for someone looking to go down this path one day???