jay_a2j wrote:I just bought this:

at telescopes.com/Orion for around $250. Anyone know anything about telescopes that can tell me if it was a good purchase? (I'll have 30 days to return it)

Interesting. First of all I can't find it on Telescopes.com and Orion isn't listed as a Brand on the pull down list. So, not having anything to go on, other than the picture, can you give a few vital stats about the telescope? That way I can give you a good idea about how good it is and how easy it is to use.
From a general perspective, as the song goes, it's "guarenteed to blow your mind." From general telescopes of that size and assuming you have minimal light polution you should easily be able to see the rings of Saturn in impressive detail, spot all the details on the moon (but not the lunar lander) and see stars and galaxies in a whole new light.
All before they move out of view and you have to adjust the telescope again because of the earth's rotation is always moving these objects out of your view.
