Telescope advice needed from those in the know.

[Da_Big_Jeff]

I have decided to get my own telescope after years watching the sky at night and naked eye observing. I did a little astronomy/cosmology in my degree and had a muck about with an amature radio telescope the department also had, so know the basics of whats out there.
I would like a beginners to mid level scope that will last me a good few years(as I advance into the hobby) and start as a base for astrophotography. Motorized mounts and the ability to remote control it via pc is also practically a must for what I want to do with it. I live in Torquay so would like it to be portable with minimum setup time as trips to Dartmoor are definitely on the agenda.
From what I have browsed for over the last couple of hours the Meade ETX-90PE seems to stand out at the moment from both the specs and some of the pictures that have been take with one. It is about the top of my budget at around £550 (max is £600 maybe £630 for the next model in the range if it is really worth it).
Any advice on basically everything to do with my first telescope. Any extras that I need, is this the right scope, where can I purchase a monocle ...ect.
I have found a thread started by someone home building a telescope so I know there are some pretty avid amature astronomers here to help me join the fold

 

[Nate--IRL--]

I'm not an astronomer, i have a limited passing interest in it, my father is really big into it. The scope you have linked, is ideal for the beginner, in that it will basically do all the hard work of setting up for you. This leaves you time to enjoy viewing.

I have mucked around my dads ETX -90 (pre automatic alignment version). And controlling it from the computer is a breeze using Software Bisque's "The Sky" software. (edit:- The included Meade Autostar Software will do what you require too, remote contriol and go-to)

Any meade scopes and accessories we have we bought from Telescope House http://telescopehouse.co.uk I can recommend them, any problems were promptly and helpfully dealt with.

Other than that i recommend you buy the BBCs Sky at night magazine, it really is excellent.

Nate