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Firstly, just to be clear, the Newtonian reflector is the same scope as a Dobsonian.
The only difference generally is the way it attaches to a mount.
The Dobsonian base is the alt az mount system for a Newtonian.
Don't get an equatorial mount - you will regret it. These are only really good for Astro photography. (IMHO)
Did you see a collapsible DOB? Doesn't sound like it. This seriously eases the BIG and storage problem as discussed earlier.
If you really don't want a dob base, then maybe an SCT on an alt az mount may suit you better. They are compact and the tripod folds. Something like an 6SE or better still a CPC may be what you are after, but they are much more costly for the convenience.
Again, suggest you get to an observing session.
If you are north shore Mangrove mountain is pretty close.
Do you have access to a car?
I have had 6" and 8" Newtonians on EQ mounts.
Then upgraded to a goto EQ5.
Then an 9.25 SCT on EQ mount.
Then CPC1100 (11" SCT on integrated goto Alt az)
Then 10" DOB collapsible
and now 12" DOB collapsible goto.
Plus several other smaller scopes along the way so I can speak from experience.
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