[timthorn]

Our astronomy society tries hard to persuade newcomers not to buy a telescope until they're sure they will actually get it out more than once, and in the meantime to borrow a club telescope. Your local club might also have a stock to lend out.

If you do decide to buy, pay attention to the tripod and mount. Get something with heft that won't wobble when you breathe on it - no matter how good the optics, if the scope is bouncing about you're not going to have a great experience.