Hi Frosty,
A beginner astronomer myself and buying 8" dob; couldnt be happier. Im sure youll be thrilled with the scope youre after.
In no time you'll be hunting and viewing globular clusters, double stars, nebulas, moon craters!, Juipter, Saturn and more! the night sky is an endless canvas of art and beauty.
Also see the other thread on the Astronomy 161 audio classes!