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Tony
Take it from me, if you are looking to do visual astronomy, and it sounds like you are, the very last thing you should consider is a newtonian reflector on any type of EQ mount. If you are looking for a way to get your kids less interested in astronomy, that is a good place to start!
The main issue is that the eyepiece is going to end up in all sorts of odd positions. I have found myself kneeling on the grass craning my neck trying to look up into an eyepiece.
If go to is really important, then a simple go to dob is a much better option. Orion do a 6" go which Bintel sells for under $700 and the 8" go to is about $1200 I think. Both much cheaper than the option you are considering and very portable and easy to setup.
On other matters, for planets, go to is simply not necessary unless you are very keen on Neptune or Uranus, and they are underwhelming visually anyway. The big 3 of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are all bright naked eye objects that a simple red dot finder will help you locate in no time.
Cheers
Malcolm
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