This is my Orion XT4.5. It is the first telescope I have ever owned or looked through. I bought it for the kids in Dec 2002. It is a wonderful 4.5″, f/8 Newtonian reflector on a dobsonian mount. I can still remember reading about that phrase “Newtonian reflector on a dobsonian mount.” Everyone seemed to recommend that kind of telescope for a first time buyer. I must say, they are right. It is very affordable, simple to operate and still throws up some fantastic views. The first thing I ever looked at through it was the moon. The second was Saturn. I will never forget that night. I still own it, but it gets more use from the neighborhood children than from me. This is a great first telescope.
Update 7 Nov 2003: I have sold the XT 4.5 to the neighbor kids (actually, I traded it for a chain saw after the hurricane). I thought I would never sell it, but when a 10 year old and 7 year old express an interest, you have to go with that. They live right across the street so I can keep track of how much use it will get and help them as needed. I hope they get as much enjoyment out of it as I have.