Hey there Dogstar!
I guess you got my pm about the prices on the dobs at Andrews over the weekend after all.
I reckon 10" or 12" you'll love it, but whatever you do don't get one with a Rack & Pinion focuser, get at least the standard Crayford, the R&P's are so frustrating to reach a clear focus with.
Having said that I'd really recommend that you get a scope with the 10:1 Crayford on it, when you're chasing clean focus at higher magnifications to see planetary detail, etc, you'll want it.
ie go 10" at $499, or 12" at $749
(I originally had the standard Crayford myself and had to spend the extra money to buy the 10:1 separately and upgrade it later.)
You'll be interested to hear that our other brother had his superannuation payment come through yesterday, we were on the phone this morning and have ordered for him a 10" dob with 10:1 Crayford ($499), hoping to have it to take out to Ron's place this Saturday night. As a very vague guide, freight to Brisbane from was quoted at $90 for the 10" package.
If we manage to fit both our scopes in next time we come over to the Alice we can all get together and have our own star party, we could call it a "3 dob night"!
Here's my 10" and 12" dobs side by side - the difference doesn't look like much, but it comes into play a bit when moving it. Still, when all else fails, remember the Golden Rule....
Aperture Rules!