Meade DS2114ATS Telescope

Skillfully observing the many visible stars and planets can be very daunting for the beginner and trying for even the intermediate amateur astronomer, but the Meade DS-2114ATS telescope makes it easy thanks to the Autostar computer controller system. You can locate any astronomical object by entering it into the keypad; electric motors then align the telescope to display the object. The Autostar's catalog includes 74 galaxies, 135 star clusters, 26 asteroids, and the 8 major planets, for a total of 1,586 viewable objects.<p> You can store up to 200 objects in the memory for an immediate go-to function. Digital readouts display the telescope’s position in both radians and decimal form. Oversize bearings and locks on both of the telescope’s axes eliminate imprecisions of movement that are common to lesser telescopes.<p> Since it is a Newtonian reflector, the DS-2114ATS's aluminized primary mirror and elliptical secondary mirror provide sharp and bright images at a relatively low price. This optical system has a 114mm aperture and a focal length of 1000mm. The 6x30mm viewfinder and eyepiece, with a diameter of 1.25 inches, makes viewing comfortable and free of any eye strain. Also included are an aluminum tripod with a fold-up accessory shelf and astronomy software on CD-ROM.

Reader Reviews
This is an acceptable scope if you get it for $250 or less. If you intend to spend more than that, get yourself an 8" or 10" dobsonian.
After using it for a few months, I now realise that its not the electronics and motors that matter in a good telescope, but the optics for a beginner. The 4.5" primary mirror is good enough for planetary / lunar observation. The eyepieces that come with this scope are just acceptable, and I can afford to have kids smear jam and butter on them. For my own use, I use a set of Series 4000 plossls I purchased separately.
I do want to add that Meade customer service is excellent. If I were to purchase a higher end scope, I would go to Meade. Primarily because of their superb customer service.
Hope that helps.
Clear skies :-)