Minimum accessories for C9.25?

I am a novice looking at purchasing my first decent scope - based on my research and neeeds/desires, I am looking very seriously at a C9.25 SCT. I have two questions:

One - has anyone been able to find out any details of the new 'Advanced Series' version of the 9.25 SCT? Looking at adds, the only differences I can pick out is that the tripod for the CG-5 looks to be a improved, and the standard 26mm eyepiece is replaced with a new 25mm E-Lux. If that is all, is this worth the $100 difference (probably depends on how much of an improvement the tripod is)?

Two - what would you recommend as minimum equipment to start out with - I will obviously add more as time goes on, but to start out with a reasonably useable system, what do I 'need'? I have in mind a 2x Barlow, 1 or two extra eye-pieces (something like a 10mm and 40mm), a dew-cap (or make my own), and vibration pads for the tripod. Any other ideas? How beneficial would a polar alignment scope for the CG-5 be? I have also seen recommendations to upgrade the finder scope - how necessary is this - i.e., could I wait without getting too frustrated? I would like to try to keep the initial costs of accessories down so I can possibly afford the new Go-To version of this scope - which raises one last question - anyone know any details about the computer for the Go-To versions of these Advanced Series scopes (ideally so I could get software for my laptop that could control, or at least get input from, the drive computer?)

Thanks,
Verle

Hugh,

I have both the Meade 2x shorty and Meade #140 2x barlows for my C9.25. My limited experience has confirmed that use of these require exceptional viewing conditions and even then their image quality is marginal at best. A Televue 2.5x Powermate is sort of on my wish list but I'm going to borrow someone else's to see what it's like before actually spending any more money on this type of accessory. I would like to hear from other members who have experience using the 2.5 Powermate on the C9.25. Does the performance come anywhere remotely close to the manfacturer's hype? Specifically, if matched up with a Meade 18mm SW (yielding 325x) are we looking at something useful or are we limited to super rare viewing nights?

Part of my scepticism about barlows may be a result of less than perfect collimation but I would still like feedback on the Powermate 2.5x. Thank you.

Verle:

Have you consider a Telrad?

IMHO, it is not expensive and will help you a lot either to star-hop or even to start pointing your 9.25 at a major star.
Just my 2c.

As far as eyepieces go, don't forget to consider a zoom eyepiece. A good zoom eyepiece could keep you busy while you collect the cash to upgrade your collection. If you keep it in good condition people usually snap them up on Astromart rather quickly.