Hi Paige, Yes, I believe most good dealers bear similar prices On
Meade, and Celestron SCTs. The wisest choice I think all will give you
here then, is to buy from a good reputable dealer, with a good track
record that will back YOU up in case there are problems.

I think once the dealer has said scope in hand, probably quite a few
would ship any way you desire, Fed-Ex next day if you wished.
You naturally foot the bill. :-)

Edmund Scientific doesn't really have much in the way of ATM Telescope
Parts anymore, but there are a slew of companies/vendors present at the
Astromart Home Page www.astromart.com

Yes, I agree too Paige, some of the most beautiful Astro-Images I've
ever seen, has come from highly experienced amateurs, armed with a very
modest "Sized" instrument. A gentleman by the name of Ray Graylak comes
to mind. The Deep Sky images Ray has done with just an AP 105mm
Traveler are just awesome! Mark