I have to agree with Malcolm. Try to make the 8" Dob work, going smaller is likely to leave you wanting. Many of the handling issues can be overcome with DIY means, such as adding wheels or simply adapting a hand trolly. Unless there are firm show stoppers – such as, can't fit the scope into the car – I'd give that a go. Of all types of scopes the solid-tube Dobsonian is by far the easiest and fastest to set up. Provided you can carry it
Laurie, you should mention how much a good small refractor (plus mount plus tripod) is that's good enough to make you forget the lack of aperture
Good, portable, affordable – pick any two
Cheers
Steffen.