Hi Mark,

I take it you are in the UK? I'd start by watching at
http://www.ukastroads.co.uk/ to get a feel for prices. As to a 76-90mm scope
showing much detail on Mars, I think you may end up disappointed. What I'd
really suggest is finding your local astro club at
http://skyandtelescope.com/resources/organizations/ and going to a couple of
public nights. You'll get to look through a lot of different scopes and see
for yourself. Also, there are usually a couple of people who have very good
first scopes but want to sell them as they are ready to upgrade.

As to seeing more of the moon, try the group listed below.

Clear Skies

Chuck Taylor
Do you observe the moon?
Try the Lunar Observing Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lunar-observing/
Lunar Picture of the Day http://www.lpod.org/
************************************

"Mark" wrote in message
...
Hi,
Could anyone tell recommend what sort of telescope I should be
thinking about as a beginner. I want something that I can learn to use,
not just board with in a few weeks. The ones I've been looking are the
OVAL table top telescopes, Sky hawk 76 to 90 range. I read a beginners
book on the universe which tends to suggest that with some not only can
you see the details of the surface of the moon, but surface details of
Mars can also been seen. That something I'd like to be able to achieve.

Thanks and Regards

Mark