It might be worthwhile considering the new Meade LX80 10 inch SCT. It has all the traits you are looking for.
Alt-Az mount convertible to Eq mode and Bintel have it advertised for an amazing $2699.00
http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...oductview.aspx
If course this is a brand new Meade model so there are probably not that many people that could vouch for how good it is in practice.