Any astronomers out there--need help with a telescope

[Romandub]

No one in our family are really into astronomy, but we enjoy gazing at the stars when we are at our weekend place out in the country. So I thought I would get us a basic telescope and book on the night skies. Something that would help us identify the constellations.

I have done some googling and have NO idea where to start. Any suggestions for decent telescopes and/or books? I am thinking of spending $200-300.

Many Thanks!

[Gumbeaux]

I don't know a lot about telescopes but I do know a little because I've also been thinking about buying one. You probably want a GPS telescope. These telescopes have thousands of celestial objects in their database which makes locating them easy. The GPS will also allow you to track the object in the sky so that it will stay in view and not be affected by the earth's rotation.

Astronomy forums such as this one (http://www.astronomyforum.net/) are probably a good place to find the latest information on telescopes.