Where can you find more information about these telescopes? Celestron, Discovery, Edmund Scientific, Meade, Orion, Starmaster and TeleVue are reputable manufacturers and retailers of telescopes. Here are links to their Web sites:
There are two major publications for amateur astronomers. Astronomy and Sky & Telescope are monthly magazines featuring articles on observing, telescope reviews and much more. They're great resources for the backyard observer, not to mention a good way to pass a cloudy night. Both are available at most book stores.
When the time comes to purchase your new telescope, it's a good idea to determine the expertise of any dealer you are considering. If they don't know what aperture is, if they don't know a Dobsonian from an Astroscan, or if they recommend a scope based on its 500X magnification, then you can be certain they don't know diddly about telescopes. I recommend buying from a local dealer. The somewhat higher price you'll pay compared to a mail-order company should payoff in better after-sale product support.
If you decide to mail-order the telescope, I recommend you consider buying from Eagle Optics. It's a Wisconsin based operation with nice, knowledgeable folks. Plus, they have a great return/refund policy. Just so you know, I did work for Eagle Optics from 1995 to 1996. This was after I'd been a customer for two years and I've been one ever since.
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Revised: February 11, 2002 [WDF]