Lots of good advice here, an eq6 and an 8" f5 newt is a real nice start I reckon.
I use a 8" f5 newt and find it pretty fool proof. If you wanted to save a little money don't get scared of building one, I built mine and for about $180.
My whole AP setup is worth under $500 and I have been able to get a lot of nice images from it, so don't worry to much about spending big.
I don't use any computer control or guiding, or any of that stuff. I don't really think there is much benefit other than costing lots and making extra headaches (you will have enough to start with anyway
)
If my advice is worth anything, I would say an eq6 with a shorter focal length newt and a coma corrector will do great. Then grab yourself a timer remote for your camera and you are set.
As you get more experienced you will probably find that your camera will become the only limiting factor.
Cheers
Jo