I also agree with Jeanette. I have a 10" dob and I wouldn't have it any other way! I have a bad shoulder and neck but I will still carry it out into the backyard and will probably start using a trolley once I sort it all out.
But that doesn't mean I'm incapable of using it. Not to mention the reason why I bought it is because it's manual and I have to find everything myself. That's most of the adventure! I would feel like I was cheating myself if I started out not doing everything manually. I want to learn the sky, I want the immense satisfaction that comes with finding those faint fuzzies! Not to mention finally getting a grasp on star hopping, it is a wonderful feeling and all part of the amazing astronomy experience.
As a beginner and beyond, the dob is fantastic. It requires little to no set up, has no fancy dials, doesn't need to be aligned, it's just ready to go.
I'm not trying to have a go at anyone but seriously? Most scopes, no matter how big can be fit with wheels and other aids.
Personally, I would let her decide. It is all up to personal preference. I think going to an astro night or a few before she decides would be really helpful. I knew I wanted a 10" dob because I'd used my friend's before, it was easy to set up and fit in my car
Anyway, my 2 cents
