Both good advice from Malcolm and Brian,
If there is just the two of you or you have a boot go for the 8 inch dob, (you can read my learning curve as a newbie thread here.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...=130205&page=5
The extra appenture is worth it, even second hand most people care for their gear.
So you could pick up an 8 inch dob for $300 or less.
While very portable the skywatcher 130 p just needs that extra for better viewing, you just have to learn where to look.
Am so glad I listened,rather than wish later I had got that bit more larger versus cheaper less light gathering more portable.
Welcome to IIS.