'NEW' 8" LX200 at OPT: good deal?

I see that OPT is selling 'new' meade LX200 8"
scopes (the classic ones without GPS, micro-focuser,
mirror-lock) for $1500. This seems like a better deal
than an 8" LX90 for sure. But any idea when Meade
stopped making these? Is it possible that optically
they aren't as good as the latest 8" scopes?

just curious,
bill

Bill, I purchased my 12" classic LX 200 from Meade in August 2001. They were selling off all of their stock of classic LXs at that time. The optics are top rate and the electronics are perfect with my telescope. These products have been around for a long time, and the manufacturing bugs have been ironed out pretty well. I wouldn't worry about purchasing a "new" classic of any size.
Ted

Bill, I'm sure you probably know this, but if weight is an issue, you might want to go with the LX 90. DR