Perhaps this:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=145232
on an AZ mount (the Vixen Porta it's pictured with would be real nice; GSO have something similar, but the less expensive AZ3 would be fine too). And it's the sort of scope you'll keep for its portability and wide field of view even after you get hungry for more aperture and buy a big Dob, Newt, Cass etc.
PS. Completely agree with Malcolm about going to star party or observing night at a local club. You'll learn more about scopes in one night than in weeks spent researching and conversing online.