G'day Margo,
I had a MEADE 8"SCT road warrior for over 10 years.
It packed nicely into a 1200x800x600 case. +tripod/wedge, combo wrapped in canvas.
Nowdays my preference is to go with this refactor 111 ED triplet
http://www.astronomics.com/main/prod...ct_id/AT111EDT
and the new MEADE LX80 mount
http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tr...oductview.aspx