Brent, Chuck, Kim and anybody else with an opinion

I was of the understanding that a GPS telescope is really useful if you are moving around allot; I mean loooong distances. It you are just using it in your back yard, what good does a GPS do you if you are always in the same place? I can't see how the cost would be justified; but that is why I am asking the question, I don't know.

To John

One other thought. I bought a Meade 2130 5inch telescope with Autostar. It cost about $300.00. I would suggest considering something like this. I believe it would satisfy all of your (John Renstrom's) criteria. I like playing with the GOTO and allot of the time I just like pushing the tube around by hand. I figured if I didn't like the telescope, I could give it to my son and then I would have a better idea what I really wanted after my experience with the Meade.

The down side to the Wal-Mart Meades is that the finder scopes are under par and the eyepieces are only .96 inch. It's a limited investment that you can chalk up to education and it is a good kids scope as well.

It sounds like, John, you have been looking at telescopes for a while. If you haven't gone to a Star Party or two that would be a good move before you actually plunk down a sizeable investment.

Jim Gibson