I have a beginner scope and use every once in a while. For a beginner though, I think I'd recommend my second purchase instead. I got some binoculars, 8x50 if I recall, that are a lot easier to scan the sky with and find objects. I think that is the hardest part in the beginning, even with a book like "Turn Left at Orion" which I have.

So, I would recommend the binoculars. If you use them for a while and feel the need to get into it further, but something better than a beginner scope.