driving means another class already... haha.. you can get as big as you like as long as you can lug it about 100m, which is a lot less distance than if you are hand carrying them.
Maks and SCTs don't require collimation often. I have my MCT for 3 years and it's still good Still don't know how to collimate (whoops!). But since you prefer shorter focal lengths, it probably might not be for you. But if you really want short focal lengths and wide angle views, go for a pair of 15x70 or 25x100 binoculars. Much better views than a small refractor.
Stargazing ... is an excuse to stay up past bedtime that never fails!
Thanks very much for the advice zong and mooey and acc
yay~~ just got my sphinx. The starbook is super cool. Like a big nintendo gameboy. Hahahaaa~ Anybody knows if it is necessary to go to build version 40 for the firmware??
But right now I got no scope to mount on. Hahahaaa
You can get a good reflector or SCT at a relatively affordable price. A 5inch SCT , maybe ?
IMHO , i do not advise beginners to get refractors as their first scope. In order to get a relatively good refractor with enough aperture and little chromatic aberation , you may have to get one at a higher price.
Getting a SCT or reflector , however, you will be rid of chromatic aberation problems and also have enough aperture for deep sky objects and decent high magnification views. Best of all , its cheaper and more affordable.
If you need more informations on these equipment talks, you can borrow the below book from the library. It will explain the fundamentals on various types of equipments and pros/cons.
ok, this is getting fun. congrats! you are the first girl i know who has a sphinx! remember, the star book does not work by touching the screen, you need to use the buttons...
The 8 D batteries finished super fast! Haahaaa~
Mooey I got the sphinx 2nd hand frm a friend. He let me have it for 1k only . He also loaned me a tak fsq to play with. Yay~~
rcj, I am not a bimbo lar.....or at least I hope not. Hahahaa~~ ....
i want to be a bimbo too! sounds fun! 8-) what's your number? we (Mooey and myself) will offer to help you with the carrying). I think he has tried to PM you already.
Still don't know how to collimate (whoops!). But since you prefer shorter focal lengths, it probably might not be for you. But if you really want short focal lengths and wide angle views, go for a pair of 15x70 or 25x100 binoculars. Much better views than a small refractor.
"The universe is composed mainly of hydrogen and ignorance." 
It's does work, right??? ha ha ha 
do get urself a nice 7ah or bigger batt and a nice compass. have fun reading the manual, lots of things to learn. 