Meade ETX-90PE Telescope with UHTC

Until now, the stargazer's two biggest challenges to enjoying the night sky have been aligning their telescope and finding objects. Meade's new ETX Premier Edition series eliminates these two challenges and makes astronomy as easy as pushing a button – right out of the box. Setting up your scope is a snap with the Automatic Alignment + SmartFinder™ system – just enter your zip code, and your scope will level itself, point to true North and set the time automatically. When you're ready to begin observing, scan the vast database of the included Autostar Computer Controller – choose from over 30,000 celestial objects. Find the object you want, then hit the GO TO button. Your telescope will automatically locate the object and place it in the center of your eyepiece.<p>Also, note the attractive Great Orion Nebula (M42) graphic that wraps around the optical tube.<p><B>Automatic Alignment + SmartFinder™</b>
The ETX-90PE automatically levels itself, points to North and sets the time once you enter your location or zip code. After the scope completes its patented Level North automatic alignment procedure, it will point to the first alignment star. Use the new wide-field SmartFinder to center the red dot over the alignment stars for ultra-precise pointing accuracy.<p> <b>Autostar Controller and Software Package</b>
Plug Meade's #497 Autostar Computer Controller into your ETX scope and quickly locate more than 30,000 celestial objects at the pu

Reader Reviews
I purchased this as my (our) first telescope. I have three children ranging from age 14 to 4, this was a gift for the summer and it's turned out really well.

The product itself is truly nice, works great for viewing the stars plus...

My biggest complaint now comes with the whole star drive system (AutoStar). The alignment process will take you first time around, about 1/2 an hour or so just to familiarize yourself with all the components (READ THE MANUAL). This is NOT an open the box and go system, so don't expect to put the pieces together and just begin. This system is more of a mid-range system, certainly not for those who have years of experience viewing the solar system and stars.

The drive functions are interesting. There is always the realignment process, since you are never really looking from the same spot each time. So configure it once, configure it twice and keep right on going per use. Might have been better to build in compass with alignment points.... or...

Viewing is incredible, clear, crisp and detailed. I am throughly impressed with the optics.

As I previously stated, a nice starter system for a family to begin viewing. However, I have already begun looking are far more sophisticated products and with my experiences in hand will find a system somewhat more expensive but with the features I believe would be more useful.