David,
If I read the discussion correctly it looks like you have not made a purchase yet. So let me toss in a few ideas.
You seem set on a Dobsonian. OK, good choice as long as you have the space and can handle the weight. Remember that the Optical Tube Assembly, OTA, can be removed from the base for transport.
Also be aware that you can put these on carts or wheels so they can be easily moved. Some would require you to lift off the cart and some have legs that you lower to stabalize the scope so you don't have to lift them.
Computer assist.
Your first post was for an Orion XT12G, a solid tube fully automated Goto scope.
Later posts seem to have you looking at fully manual scopes. There is a midpoint from Orion call the Intelliscope. I have the 8" XT8i Intelliscope. I don't see it mentioned so I thought I would share my experience. I really like it.
I am in the USA so the links I provide are to the Orion site in US dollars. Naturally you will want to talk to a local supplier.
XT12i - Solid tube 12" Intelliscope.
http://www.telescope.com/catalog/sea...&keyword=XT12i
XXL12i - Truss 12" Intelliscope
http://www.telescope.com/Orion-SkyQu...eyword=XXL112i
There are no motors so, unlike a GoTo scope like the XT12G, this one does not move on its own and it does not track. What it does do is tell you where to point the scope to see the target you input. See the video below.
Using the Intelliscope Computer Object Locator
http://s7d5.scene7.com/s7/uvideo.jsp...iversal_Video1
Depending on how you look at it, it is about 25% lower in cost than the 12G. In addition it has a better finder scope than the 12G.
You can use it manually without the computer assist. I do this about 50% of the time, especially when I am going to familiar targets, visible targets like the Orion Nebula or the Pleiades. Of if I am viewing things that are easy to find like the moon and planets.
When I am working a list of targets I turn on the Intelliscope, do a very quick and easy alignment and then use the computer to guide me to the targets. No planning out star hops and no frustration with my light polluted skies were I can't see the stars to use for the hop.
Half way between a manual dob and a GoTo dob, the Intelliscope is an option to consider.
As I said, I have the XT8i. But I have my eye on the XXL14i or XXL14G as my next upgrades.
My current scope resides in my garage sitting on a cart. I roll it out to my observing site which is the sidewalk in front of my house, then lift it off the cart. The XT8i is about 45 pounds. The XT12i is about 83 pounds so you would either put it on a cart where you don't have to remove it or take the tube off, lift off the base, then put the tube back on. Not hard to do.
Telescope Wheel Systems - With these the scope stays on the cart
http://www.jimsmobile.com/buy_wheeley_bars.htm
https://www.astronomics.com/tripod-w...lies_c220.aspx
Or you could build something like this
http://www.telescope.com/catalog/sea...S&keyword=cart
Or this
http://www.thornett.net/Rosliston_Ar...w_handles.html
or These
https://www.google.com/search?q=dobs...MQ7AkIUw&dpr=1
Hope this helps.