The fully go-to computerized ETX-90AT with UHTC optics is an exceptional value that is in a class by itself. As one individual was heard to say after seeing the ETX-90 in operation, "I have seen the future of amateur astronomy" . . .

REVIEWS:
1) don"t ever buy a Meade Telescope: I have never had such a bad experience with customer service. My telescope broke after two uses. The horizontal drive mechanism is stripped. If I could get my telescope repaired someplace else, I would. I am absolutely furious at the complete failure on the part of Meade"s organization to honor their commitment to repair my ETX-125. They took my money over two months ago now and have done absolutely nothing in return for my $150. This is the most pathetic interaction I have ever had with any purchase in my entire life.

I purchased a warranty plan from Meade 8/29/06. The charge was promptly placed on my credit card, and that is the only thing they have ever done for me. I called a month later for my shipping boxes. No reply. I called a week later and left another message, No reply. I called on 10/19/06, no reply. On 10 23 I talked to someone personally and she promised to look into the matter, took my info and said the manager would qet the messaqe. NO reply. On 10 24 I left a message again. Someone finally returned my call and said he"d send boxes. SINCE THEN I HAVE HEARD NOTHING!

I might as well throw my $1200 telescope in the trash since it broke after two uses and thanks to their bungling I can"t get it fixed.
2) Meade ETX 90: As a newby to star gasing, both my wife and my knowledge of the night sky was pritty much confined to IDing the moon. We found the autostar system easy to setup and use (once we could identify the north star). We learned more in two hours about the univers that either of us had learned in our more than fifty years. The autostar system can take you on a tour of the night sky that is extremly interesting. The scope its self is a delicate piece of equipment (as you would expect) I don"t think it needs to be carried on a pillow but a carry case would be a good idea. At this point, eigth weeks out it looks like a few eyepieces and filters are going to be the only accessories we will be looking for right away. This is all the star gazing system we expect to need any time soon.
3) ETX90EC or ETX90AT?: I was under the impression that I had ordered an ETX-90AT (w. UHTC coatings)package for $499.00 (which is a $150.00 savings over standard price. I wondered if it was too good to be true. When I opened my package, the box said ETX-90EC on the outside and showed a picture of an 495 hand controller. I was dissapointed till I opened the box and saw an 497 AutoStar controller (w. Nov 2005 rev) and a deluxe field tripod (with carrying case). There was a note inside that said that this telescope had upgrades. The manual was for an ETX-90AT. I am extremely happy with the deal that I got and will use the money saved to by additional eyepieces. I wish there had been a deal on the ETX-125EC along the same lines. The only drawback is the small aperature of the 90mm, but it was a way to get a "GOTO" scope cheap. Maybe I"ll get the 125 later if I like this one.
4) excellent telescope but not as represented: the reason for one star is not the telescope it self or any part of it .... i like it its an excellent choice for a bigenner
but the offer represented above is only the etx90 with the autostar controller(497) with out the Tripod(884)
beware if you pay 499$ for this offer dont think you will get the whole set, no.even if you complain they will replace with the same order
buy them separate , it would be better

poor amazon
5) Meade ETX90EC: A nice telescope that will disappoint. Polar alignment is almost impossible because of the location of the finder scope. Without polar alignment capabilities you can forget about photography. If you insist on buying this model then go ahead and order an angled finder scope for another $60. The straight through finder scope that comes with the ETX-90 is useless since you can"t see through it while aligning on Polaris.

The optics are excellent with no noticeable color fringes.

The AutoStar locator/tracker leaves much to be desired. After spending many minutes performing a polar alignment, the AutoStar reset itself and "Initialized". Did the alignment again, moved to Mars for some photography and the AutoStar "Initialized" again. I found that a light tap on the side of the scope caused it to initialize - losing all alignment setting. Apparently there is a loose connector/cable inside it!!!

I suggest buying a Celestron.

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