G'day Taf,
Hmmmmm, I was reading the above posts and tried to think how it all sounds to a new Astrologer . . . oops! I mean Astronomer
Below is some of the Lingo used above, translated for you (we often forget what it's like to be new at this and we talk our own talk)
lower power eyepiece (the biggest focal length) - There are numbers on the Eyepieces. The smaller the number, the more it magnifies.
Collimation - Aligning all the mirrors so they give a true image without distortion. A collimator, or Collimation Tool is used for this.
Barlowed laser - Not sure on this one myself! But it sounds like a Laser Collimator with a Barlow attached
until you buy an 'Argo Navis' - 'Argo Navis' is an expensive device which assists in hand pointing the telescope to objects.
a right-angled finderscope or a Telrad - The finderscope is the small scope used to line up objects to be seen in the Main scope. The rght-angle version has the Eyepiece sticking out sideways to make it easier to look into. A Telrad is a device which can be attached to the main scope and you look into it and it has red circles like a bullseye to centre objects. Bit like a Finderscope with red rings.
the cheaper EPs - EP's being 'eyepieces'. Cheaper ones can be quite dissappointing, but the ones usually supplied with Dobs are pretty good to get started.
(eg Bintel Plossls) - Bintel being the shop 'Bintel', and Plossl being the style of eyepiece.
Baader Hyperions - another style of eyepiece made by Baader.
a Barlow lens - A Barlow is used for increasing magnification of an eyepiece (x2, x3, x4 etc)
stiction - where a mount turns smoothly or not. Stiction is how much it sticks or jerks when trying to get smooth motion.
in either alt or az motion - alt = up & down movement, az = side to side movement.
a dob base or an EQ mount - 'dob base' being a Dobsonian base. A box arrangement to which the telescope sits in and can move in alt & az. EQ mount is a mount where the telescope moves in curving motions and has counterweights sticking out the opposite side to the telescope to balance it.
I have to say that I disagree with Geoffs advice at this point in time. You don't need to buy better eyepieces for quite a while. Learn with what you have. The EP's supplied these days are usually fairly good to start out with. You definately don't need an Argo Navis! (apologies to Gary Kopff) You need to learn the sky and how to Star-hop to objects. An Argo-Navis is something you may decide on in a year or two if you think you may need it.
Take your time, try find a local Astronomy Club or Society and go meet them. Use what you already have and in time you will discover what improvements you may need or accessories you may want.
Note: I am, in no way, putting down 'Argo Navis' (which is a fantastic Aussie Product) or better quality EP's. I just don't think newbies need be concerned with all the extras at the outset of thier new hobby.