[EddieDog (Eddie)]

Hi all, I have a friend with a 6 year old girl interested in Astronomy. He would like to buy her a scope. I have given him some info and a copy of advice from the 'Backyard Astronomer;s guide'. But it is difficult to know. A bad scope may well put both off. And my friend is now generating an interest. I have invited them over to look through my 6Se but work schedules and weather are a delaying this. He is on a tight, small budget. My thought are that if he can afford, a goto scope is the way to, well, go. But they are not cheap. I know dobs are popular, but probably way too big for his needs. And I am concered re the 114mm newts having see a friend's cheapie years ago. Portability, easy set up and reasonable view are probably the main aim. He has seen on 'Gumbree' a local 5" Seben with EQ mount , but methinks that despite it rasonable price, it is not really suited to his needs. At/Az mounts are easy to use but bad for tracking, the old ones with various nobs and that horrible bar were suited only to octupuses. So, what are the groups suggestions.....would appreciate some good advice.
Thanks

Eddie