My 8th grade student of a son is REALLY into stars and rocks. He loves to get offroad with me, and enjoys hitting the beach at night to watch the waves and gaze into the sky.

My wife isn't so much of an outdoor person, but she also loves going to the beach under a starry sky to enjoy the view. This is something we've done since I was stationed in Hawaii years ago and took advantage of North Shore nearly nightly.

For Christmas this year, I want to get them a telescope so we can expand our family enjoyment and make some memories. To the point: which one should I get? My wish is that I can find something reliable that I won't wish I bought the next model up everytime I use it. I'd like it to have a computer interface that is compatible with a MAC. I don't know if such an animal exists, but I'd like snapshot capability so they can save the view for playing around with in a digital editor. I'd like to keep cost to around $500 but am willing to spend more for the right equipment.

Can someone with experience please chime in and point me in the right direction?

Thanks,
Jon

Check http://www.meade.com

I have an 8" Meade LXD-75 that I am starting to play with compliments of great deal made possible by stressed economic conditions.

A good friend of mine runs a B&B catering to astronomers (http://www.observersinn.com/) that used to work for Meade as a tech rep.

They do have a wide range of quality scopes.

Thanks, John. I'm checking out a couple of interesting models made by them.

perhaps check out orion telescopes.
the're in watsonville.
and cupertino, i think.
and online.
kinda local.

Thanks Richard. I have checked them out online, and I'm looking to physically see some of their wares this weekend. I've found that my budget may be a little short for what I want. We'll see what comes of it. I appreciate the input!

you'll be in trouble at orion- the've got some real nice equipment in there!

Never rule out gently used nice stuff. If there's any astronomy clubs down there, see if anyone is looking to get rid of anything, esp if there's an estate sale....