Bob,

I picked up the 114EQ-DH4 at Sams last week. Here are some observations:

1. I can easily see all the moons of Jupiter. I can make out 2 bands around Jupiter, but no eye.

2. I can see the rings (well, one ring) of Saturn, and as many as 3 of its moons. Other than Titan, I don't even know the names of Saturn's other moons, but I think there are 5 of them or so.

3. The nebulas in Orion's belt are fuzzy with fresh blue stars, no cool red haze or anything, though.

4. The software that comes with the scope (Starry Night Bundled Edition) is inferior to the downloadable demo version they have on their website. (I already had that.) Instead, I'm now using Redshift 3 Deluxe. Great program for only $24. Redshift 4 is out there, but I don't know how much better it is.

5. Apparently I'll never be able to control this telescope with a computer. I think that requires Autostar. But Starfinder works pretty well. It got a lot better after I got the tripod leveled a little better. I'm gonna install some leveling bubbles, so that may help even more.

6. The polar alignment isn't too hard. Only takes a minute after you've done it a few times. I really licked out with Polaris being just above my house when I set up in the backyard!

7. Last, the batteries have held out pretty well -- over a week now. But I should look into an AC adapter instead, as 10 AA batteries goes for about $6.

Paul