The OTAs are very similar. Any of the 3 shouldn't be a big problem to haul
around for a fit, 30-something male. The Meade 10" will be the heaviest of
the 3. I think you'd probably be quite happy with any of them.

With that in mind it comes down to price and ease of use. I've never used
the Celestron GOTO controller but I've used a Meade Autostar for years
(LX90). Since you're already familiar with the Autostar from your ETX, I
would give a slight edge to the Meade models. If you are going with the
Meade and the extra weight and expense isn't a big issue, get the 10" model.
More aperture is almost always best until you reach the point where the
scope is too much trouble to use.

Clear skies,
Ray Porter

"Pippen" wrote in message
...
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