Questions on Meade models

I'm pretty much a newbie to telescopes and was looking into an 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain, but I wanted to make sure I had the models right. The only LX200 series they make now is LX200GPS-SMT. And the LX90 is basically what people refer to as an "LX200 'Classic'". Do I have it right? And if I do, what do you feel is a reasonable price for a used LX200 or LX90? Also, I've heard that the software on the LX90 is better than on the LX200 "Classic", if that is the case, am I able to upgrade the software on the Classic to what the LX90 currently has? And lastly, is the GPS really worth the money? Does it make life that much easier? Or is aligning the LX90 or LX200 - Classic not bad once I learn how to do it.

I REALLY appreciate any help. Thanx

David

David, about two years ago, Meade introduced the GPS model scopes. The LX200 made prior to that time are now called the classics. They are not the LX90 model. I have a 12"LX200 classic, and it is a fine telescope with an excellent goto system and a large database of spece objects. I have never seen an LX200, so I cannot comment on it.
Ted

David,
The LX200 and LX90 scopes are quite different. Optically they are identical. The LX200 line is a heavier (quite heavier actually) and more robust system designed more towards photography. The LX90 scopes are more of a visual scope with lighter gear workings and forks.
As for the computer GOTO, the LX200 Classic is a little tougher to use if you don't know "some" of the stars too well. It requires some user input to work, but once it is aligned well my LX200 Classic has flawless pointing and tracking. I've had things like the Eskimo or Ring nebulas in a 9mm plossl field of view all night. I once decided to leave the scope from about 9pm-4am while I slept (I wanted to catch something early in the morning) centered on the Ring nebula. I came back after 7 hours and it was still perfectly centered in the eyepiece.
The LX90 and newer LX200's all use the Autostar 2 hand controller/computer derived from the ETX-EC series of telescopes. I also had an ETX90EC so I know how the Autostar 1 works. The pointing seemed a bit less accurate than the LX200 classic, but it could have been the ETX also... not the Autostar. The Autostar has some really nice information and displays compared to the older LX200.
The LX200 new styles mainly build upon the existed excellent design of the older styles and add some new perks.

Hi David -
I've owned both. The lx90, and the 12" lx200gps. I miss
my lx90, because it was easy to move around. I can pick
it up from my living room, and take it out back, tripod
and all. You can't do that with my 12"
You'd be happy with the LX90. You can find them occasionally on this website used, for $1200 to $1500. They
definitely are a reliable workhorse. Of course, the later
model, - - - -the better. You can upgrade the software in
the Autostar, if you find an older one, but if you can
afford a new one, get it. Everyone treats their scopes
differently, and thats the difference - - - between a
"good one" or - - a bad experience!

Hi David,

A few weeks ago a purchased an LX90 from a guy on Astromart for about $1200 including shipping. It was just over 1 year old and had a few nice extras, including an upgraded focuser, dew shield and collimation knobs. It is a great scope and really easy to use. It is not that heavy, which will come in handy if you want to move it around your backyard like I do. The alignment is also very easy. I would really recomend this scope to anyone, especially a newbie. Another nice part about buying used is that if you do grow out of this scope in a year, I bet you would be able to sell it without very much of a loss. Good luck!