Yeah John, Astronomy Week ended yesterday, but it's still not too late for you to get with the program and order up a scope! I looked at what Costco advertises and I agree with Jim: forget it. Randy supplied some good links and I'd particularly suggest that you consider the
6"Dobsonian from Orion for about $270 delivered. This is a very good buy in a quality beginning scope that's big enough to excite interest(I've heard comments that 6 inches isn't enough, but that was in a different context), but inexpensive and easily portable. If you're willing to go a lot higher(e.g. $1500-$2500), Schmidt-Cassegrains or Maksutov-Cassegrains from Orion, Celestron or Meade are excellent.
If you request the very attractive printed Orion catalog, they'll continually send it to you until you can't resist ordering.
