I realize that Meade isn't exactly synonymous with "great customer service" right now, but I thought there may be some on the list that would like to know about Meade's new mounts and telescopes. They have introduced a new mount known as the LX-80 which is convertible between GEM and alt/az configurations. This is probably meant to compete with the iOptron mounts and will be used with their mid-range scopes. They have also introduced a new higher end GEM (90 lb payload capacity sans counterweights) which comes in a number of different configurations, known as the LX-800. A number of people have noted several outward similarities between the LX-800 and the AP Mach 1. The LX-800's come with two "attached" scopes with ½ inch CMOS sensors. The first is a wide-field scope, the second is an 80 mm refractor used for guiding, PEC training, and assisted polar alignment. Obviously, the jury will be out until these things start shipping - but I think competition is normally good for us, the consumers. Here are a couple links (oddly I haven't found a link on the Meade website). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EA8lfrYK_M&NR=1 http://www.optcorp.com/ProductList.aspx?uid=1-600-603-1929 http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tripods/EQ-Mounts/Meade-LX800-with-StarLoc... Clear skies, Dale.