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You will find that with a German Equatorial Mount the eyepiece will often be at awkward angles but nonetheless workable. Rotating rings would be nice but they are expensive. An EQ (Poncet) platform is a nice solution for Dobs and works very well. GOTO on a Dob will give you tracking too but with field rotation which isn't an issue for visual observing thougth.
If you can get an EQ platform it may be your cheapest solution and will allow your Dob to still operate like a Dob with minimal electronics. The EQ platform has two stepper motors and a small circuit board controlling the rate. The angle of the platform needs to match your observing latitude. There are some very expensive ones on the market but you can pick up a used one or even a home built one or build your own. An HEQ5 + rotating rings will likely cost a bit too so a new 8" GOTO may end up cheaper. ( or look at a used 8" SCT with RA motor only for use when viewing planets).
I'd go the EQ platform as you can use it on a larger scope later if you get one (depending on weight) but most will easily handle a 12" telescope. I use one on my 10" Newt and have used a 6" Newt on a GEM mount and much prefer the platform.
If you do get a GEM you can operate without rotating rings by loosening the tube rings when you want or need to rotate the tube. Not ideal but workable.
Whatever you choose, enjoy!
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