Telescope Reviews: Paralyzed by choice: New/Used and Manual/GoTo

Hey Curt,
The CPC800 GPS XLT is a really great scope, and was my 1st Purchase getting back into astronomy after having a Tasco 60mm years ago. I also suffered from Paralysis by Analisis and broke that by going to a couple sidwalk star parties, and visiting a couple Authorized Dealer Telescope Shops (one's that specialize in telescopes, not just stock them as filler!) So, I will also say you should absolutely get to a star party, or club for some first hand experience of size, weight, function, and owner input. Just like you I wanted to be sure what I was buying was not going to be abandoned to the closet, nor leave me thinking I should have gone for more/better after a couple months, seeing & feeling them in person made all the differance. I would say the 8" CPC fits the bill perfectly, however since you expressed the thought of taking it on trips with the family, you have to consider the amount of space it and the rest of the parts n peices will take up in your vehicle. I think this is very easy to overlook. After getting your 3 kids, the honey bunny, yourself, and the usual items that go with you; you will still need another adult sized space for the scope,mount,tripod, and accessories that go along with it always. So with that thought in mind and considering what you've previously posted above, I would say your viable options would be to get the CPC800 if you have the extra funds and the space.
If you have the extra funds but not the space, get the CPC800 and a nice 80mm or 90mm refractor or small MAK.
If you don't have the extra funds or the space go with the Nexstar 5.
If you get the CPC800 you'll be quite happy for a long long time.
If you get the CPC800 and an 80 or 90 refractor or small MAK you can keep the smaller one set up on a simple Alt/Azm for a quick grab n go to the backyard when time is precious.
If you get the Nexstar 5 you can keep it set up also, and when/if you ever decide to go larger, it will be an easy sell, or maybe you'll keep it for quick peeks and go for an 11" or more.
I went with the CPC800 and then I got an Orion 102mm Apex MAK and an Orion Paragon Plus Heavy Duty Tripod that I kept setup all the time for viewing the moon and planets with my daughter and wife.
Also, don't count short the kiddies, you'll be blown away at there inquizitiveness of what they can see, and what they can find, as long as their involved hands on. Give them some small bino's, or have them just use their eye's and load GOSKYWATCH (Free App)on your Ipad with your GPS location inputted and they will be hooked as much as you, and amazed at what's out there above their heads to explore. It's actually the most used App on our Ipad.

I use a Stellarvue F50W2 50mm f/4 Widefeild Finderscope as a travelscope, and my daughter (who'll be 4 in June) now uses it herself so much that I just got another one!!!

If your going on the Cape May / Lewes Ferry, or in Sussex County Delaware, in the near future, I'll be more than happy to let you and yours have hands on time with our scopes, I have a few of each type and each type of mount as well.
Also, Please keep in mind that the best telescope for YOU, is the one you will use.
Hope my rambling thoughts have had some worth for you.

Happy Hunting,
Jeffrey G.