It's still there - try http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7562031424&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1<http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7562031424&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1> I'm thinking this would retail for close to $1000 and this might be a good opportunity to get it for a lot less. I'm just a little hesitant because I know so little. ----- Original Message ----- From: Jeff Hopkins<mailto:phxjeff@xxxxxxxxxxx> To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2005 1:28 PM Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: amateur telescope Hello Barb, I checked EBay, but that item is no longer there. How much money do you want to spend as a maximum? Meade has a very nice ETX 80 mm refractor with Autostar for under $300. Check http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=1-600-603-571-591-7295<http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=1-600-603-571-591-7295> The Autostar is nice as once you set it up you just punch in the object you want to view and it will automatically go to the object. This is great if you are just learning the sky. While it takes a bit to understand the setting up part and the use of the hand controller, it is not really difficult. It just takes some practice. One advantage of the refractor is there is essentially no maintenance and it is easy to set up. Also check Orion telecopes at http://www.telescope.com<http://www.telescope.com/> Orion has some nice scope for beginners. A Dobsonian (DOB) would give you the best value for a larger telescope. You can get a nice 6" for $259 or 8" for $358. I recommend at least an 8" if going that route. These are heavier and are not computerized like the EXT 80. If you have more questions, just drop me a note. Jeff At 12:28 -0700 11/10/05, Barbara Liebler wrote: >I'm new to the world of "star gazing," and I'm considering buying a >telescope. I see an Ebay item, number 756031424, that is a Meade >telescope with an "autostar" attachment. Will that be easy enough >for a rank novice to use to find a particular star? >Barb -- Jeff Hopkins HPO SOFT http://www.hposoft.com/Astro/astro.html<http://www.hposoft.com/Astro/astro.html> Hopkins Phoenix Observatory 7812 West Clayton Drive Phoenix, Arizona 85033-2439 U.S.A. www.hposoft.com<http://www.hposoft.com/> -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list. -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.