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Hi Dave,
I agree with David, 10" collapsible Skywatcher from Andrews for $899 (or York Optical for same price - become an IIS VIP for free).
Biggest mirror of the three, collapsible front end (I have a 12" version) makes it VERY portable and as a first scope, comparing it to the views you saw through your Brother In Law's bigger one won't be disappointing for you when you shell out $900 for a smaller scope.
EQ platforms are great but fiddly as a first time scope and without goto are frustrating at times to find things. Dobsonian mounts are the best choice for first time users (I bought an EQ2 - SW135 first and then a 12" Dobsonian next) and I wish I had done it the other way around.
Take a look in at York Optical in Brisbane and see if they will give you the 10" collapsible for $899 (VIP price) as you are IIS member now and you will never regret the choice. I think they will honour the price match of Andrews Comms or at least give it to you for the price you would get it for if you became a VIP with them anyway.
Good luck with the decision.
Cheers
Chris
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