Q1: Can you please confirm for me exactly what is included in this package and what is not included in this package for $1,190.00? I assume the ETX-125PE telescope with UHTC coating is included. What else? Is the #884 tripod? Is the #497 autostar computer controller included? Is the Autostar software Suite AE software included? Is the PC cable included? Is there a carrying case included? Is there an electric 115 VAC cord included for the computer attachments? Is there a DC adapter for cigarette lighter from car included? Is the 26mm eye piece the only one included? If yes, would you have recommendations on other eye pieces? Are lense covers included? Are there other options that a person entering into astronomy should consider purchasing? What is the GPS system that is listed as "NO" in the spec field, What does the GPS option add? And is it possible to add it?

A: The items that are included with the ETX-125PE are of course the telescope itself, the #497 AutoStar Controller, #884 Full Size Tripod, 26mm Super Plossl Eyepiece, AutoStar SuiteAE Software, and PC Interface cable. A hard carrying case and power adapters are sold seperately. As for eyepieces there are a lot of options available We suggest the Celestron eyepiece and filter kit as it gives you a wide range of both eyepeices 4mm,6mm,9mm,15mm,&32mm a 2x Barlow lens, 6 filters, and a Moon filter all in an aluminum carrying case. There are some higher end telescopes that will ave a GPS feature but with the ETX PE edition telescope there is really no need to add it on as the scope will basically do everything already that the GPS would.

Q2: Does Meade offer a eyepiece filter and what's the price difference

A: Meade offers many eyepieces and filters it will depend on the items you are looking at to define the difference in price.

Q3: Despite the AutoStar system is it a simple matter to manually align the scope on a known object and then have the scope track it?

A: That is an option for tracking, however, the tracking will be more precise if you go through the alignment process. You will also be able to find and track many more objects than just the one.

Q4: The ETX-125AT comes with the Autostar suite and the LPI. Is the LPI included with the PE model?

A: No, they will not be included with the PE you get a version of the Autostar Suite and the cables to connect it to your computer, but the LPI is just for the standard versions of the ETX

Q5: Is this telescope good for a beginner?

A: Being the premiere edition this is a rather easy telescope to use. The best answer I can give is that it will depend on the beginner. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this for a child, but for a young adult to an adult beginner this is a great scope.

Q6: Will the 125PE be easier to set up and track objects than the Standard version of the 125AT? If it is, what exactly is the difference? Does the standard 125AT have Level North alignment procedure? Are these features worth the extra $300 dollars plus the extra LPI that I get in the standard version or I might as well spend them on some accessories or other eyepieces.

A: The alignment process will be easier to do with the new LNT technology which the standard AT version does not have. The LNT is "Level North" what that means is that when the scope is set-up, all you will have to do is enter in your zip code and go through a simple two star alignment. the level north will as it say level the tube automatically line itself with polar north and it also has an internal atomic clock so you will have no need to set the date or the time. With the standard version it is not a difficult process to go through all of this stuff manually but it is definitely a time consuming procedure. Personally I cannot say if it is worth the extra money as that solely depends on you.

Q7: How does the PE edition compare to the option of purchasing a GPS add on for the ETX-125 AT?

A: The PE is a step below having GPS as you will have to align the scope using stars (just less information than the Standard ETX you have to input)so the ETX with GPS will be easier.

Q8: What is the difference between the UHTC Coatings and the Standard Coatings?

A: A scope with the UHTC will gather up to 20% more light than a telescope of the same size without the coating will.

Q9: What is the size of the aperture? Are these types of telescopes able to run without being plugged into something? Can i just look up at the moon wherever I want?

A: The ETX-125PE has an aperture of 127mm. A telescope's aperture is the diameter of the first light-receiving device, whether it's a mirror or lens. In a Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope like the ETX, it's the diameter of the primary mirror, which is located at the telescope's back. In a refracting telescope, it's the diameter of the big, front lens. Most telescope manufacturers indicate aperture roughly in their telescope's name. The ETX-125, for example, is nominally a 125mm (5-inch) scope. An ETX-90 is nominally 90mm, or about 3.5 inches. The ETX-80 is 80mm, or a little over 3 inches. The ETX's can be used without power and aligned by hand to observe whatever you want. If you want to use the AutoStar controller, however, you'll need to insert batteries or use either a DC or AC power cord.