Meade SC-8 LXD-55 vs. LX90

I'm a beginner and currently own a Meade ETX90 w/Autostar. I'm thinking of upgrading to an 8" SC, but like everyone else, am on a limited budget. Meade has a new 8" SC on a EQ mount. I would like any comments on ease of use between an EQ mount with autotracking vs. the auto controlled fork mounts. Obviously, I've probably been spoiled starting with the GOTO system I have. Eventually, I would like to do some photography, but experimentally. Am I asking too much here. I'm concerned with how much trouble an EQ mount will be with polar alignment and all. Polaris is not always visible at my light polluted location.

Chuck
Chuck H

Personally, I didn't like any of the 3 GEM mounted scopes I had. I liked the actual telescopes, but I hated getting on my knees, twisting backwards, and generally breaking my neck to view. I have a LX200 now and really like the fork mounts. I'm only beginning in photography and have really enjoyed it. I can sit on my mechanic's stool (on rollers and pneumatic lift) for about 90% of a viewing session once I'm all aligned and see everything just fine. I just twist the diagonal a bit and I'm fine. Looking at objects near the zenith, I just lower the seat to the lowest. I use my LX200 on the wedge about 75% of the time, but occasionally it's nice to have it Alt-Az and just have fun. Plus aligning it is 10x easier in Alt-Az. As for being spoiled by GOTO... I started with an ETX, 90mm Orion refractor on GEM, an 8" dob, C102 on GEM,TV Pronto on small GEM, and now my LX200, so I've had my share of GOTO and non-GOTO. I tend to love using the GOTO because of my limited time to go out. Sorry for being a bit long winded!! Good luck!