There's another guy (who jumped too quick) in the simuilar boat as you are who I've been sharing my limited knowledge with , the following might help you
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=38597
He's opted for nice 6" newt that is pretty reasonably priced after making a mistake.
You'll get more bang for the $ from a dob or a basic (only RA driven or dual axis driven , but not GOTO) newtonian than Schmidt Cass's , Maksutovs or refractors. Give them a wide birth as a beginner is my advise.
Aperture is everythng.