1st off, re you set on a fork mounted scope? If you are, then you are
looking at pretty much a wash. IMO the Meade has a slight advantage on
the hand controller side over the Celestron version, and if you are
familiar with the autostar (as it appears from your EXT exp.) then the
LX-200r is pretty much the same usability with a few extras thrown in.

But this is offset by the slight advantage the C 9.25 has optically.
Many consider it the finest SCT available. I do know those I've looked
through have been superb.

I've owned a Meade LX200 10". I took the scope off the forks and mounted
them on a Losmandy G-11.

If you are looking for a GEM system (has some advantages an some
disadvantages) then I'd get a C9.25 with Starbright XLT coatings and put
it on a Losmandy G-11.

Before you say nything about the weight not being an issue, go to your
local telescope store and set one up. Now imagine doing that everytime
you want to observe. The 10" LX200 is approx 65lbs.

If you do go fork mount and decide to get into imaging then you would
have to buy a wedge.

In article ,
says...
First off this is not an attempt to start a flame war... I'm looking at the
Celestron 9.25 CPC and also the Meade LX200R 8 or 10 inch. All would include
optical coating upgrade.

I live in an area where viewing is not that great so I will be transporting
the scope maybe 25 - 50 percent of the time.

Not currently doing astrophotography but would not want my choice now to
hinder the ability later... this would include motors, gears and optics etc.

Durability, I want this scope to last possibly a lifetime...

As far a weight of the scope, not too concerned about that I'm healthy 30
something male who works out on a regular basis. I would want to be able to
assemble by myself (sometimes that is not a function of weight). Is the
LX200R manageable for one person?

Software for each scope, pro's and con's...

Ease of use, I like goto functionality of my ETX and would expect something
better on the next scope.

Please include any other options that you think my fit my situation. I'm
pretty certain I want to go with an SCM or a close variant. I currently have
a ETX - 125 (Mak) that I'm very happy with.

Thanks in advance for your input.

-p