Backyard Astronomer's Guide says "The nifty Dobs have fine fittings, ... and the added high-tech feature of computerized "push to" - encoders and a handheld computer help point the way to sky targets.  The system is simple to align and use and provides computerized finding without the expense and battery drain of motors.  They are an ideal melding of simplicity and aperture with high tech." p. 54

Sky and Telescope Test Report - July 2009 - "A Smart 12-inch Dob"  - see comments below.

♦ Traditional 8- truss design offers superior rigidity compared to other designs in this category
♦ IntelliScope computerized object-locating technology pinpoints any of 14,000 objects in seconds
♦ Dual-speed 2" Crayford focuser, 9x50 finder, 2" and 1.25" eyepieces, cooling fan, rack, and more!
SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope Truss Tube Dobsonian:
If the idea of a big-aperture telescope appeals to you, but the portability issue has kept you on the fence, you can hop off it now. We've got the perfect solution - the SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope Truss Tube Dob. It's a deep-sky observer's dream scope, offering jumbo 12" Pyrex optics (f/4.9); a stylish, reduced-weight base outfitted with IntelliScope object location technology; and a sturdy truss tube design that disassembles in about a minute into compact, easily portable components.

Finally, a deluxe, large-aperture Dobsonian that fits comfortably in a compact car for transport to your favorite observing site! The eight trusses (four captive pairs) provide more-rigid support than other designs in this category. We've also outfitted the XX12 base with nothing but the best materials: EbonyStar laminate and Virgin Teflon azimuth bearing surfaces provide silky smooth azimuth motion. Equipped with dual-speed (11:1) 2" Crayford focuser, large 8" altitude bearings, full set of great accessories, a computerized database of 14,000 celestial objects - and a price just north of a grand! - the XX12 is one killer telescope deal.

It's the big Dob you've dreamed of owning, and now you can take it with you wherever dark skies beckon! Get the practical, amazingly affordable SkyQuest XX12 and hit the road to astronomical adventure. One-year limited warranty.

Specs:
Use - Astronomy
User level - Advanced
Optical design - Reflector
Optical diameter - 305mm
Focal length - 1500mm
Focal ratio - f/4.9
Optics type - Parabolic
Glass material - Low thermal expansion glass
Eyepieces included - DeepView 35.0mm (2"), Sirius Plossl 10.0mm (1.25")
Magnification with included eyepieces - 42x, 150x
Resolving power - 0.38arc*sec
Lowest useful magnification - 43x
Highest useful magnification - 300x
Limiting stellar magnitude - 15.1
Optical quality - Diffraction limited
Finder scope - 9x50
Focuser - 2" Crayford
Secondary mirror obstruction - 70mm
Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter - 23%
Secondary mirror obstruction by area - 5%
Mirror coatings/over-coatings - Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide
Mount style - Dobsonian
Astro-imaging capability - Simple moon shots
Computerized compatibility - Intelliscope included
Number of objects in database - 14000+
Bearing material - AZ: EbonyStar/Teflon, ALT: UHMW/ABS
Power requirement - 9-volt battery
Setting circles - Electronic, via the hand controller
Tube material -Steel
Tripod material - Wood
Length of optical tube - 58.3 in.
Weight, optical tube - 49.5 lbs.
Weight, mount/tripod - 34.0 lbs.
Weight, fully assembled - 86.5 lbs.
Additional included accessories - Unique base design with side braces for stability, Cooling Accelerator Fan included, 2" Dual-Speed Crayford focuser w/ 1.25" adapter
Other features - IntelliScope Object Locator (w/ 9-volt battery), EbonyStar on Virgin Teflon azimuth bearings, Large 8" altitude bearings w/ adjustable tension
Warranty - One year
 

Included Items:

12" f/4.9 Truss-Tube Dobsonian reflector w/ parabolic Pyrex primary optics
9-point flotation primary mirror cell with spring loaded thumbscrew collimation adjustments
70mm minor-axis secondary mirror on 4-vaned (0.7mm thick vanes) secondary holder
4 groups of two-pole rotatable truss assemblies with captive assembly knobs
Dual-Speed (11:1) 2" Crayford focuser w/ 1.25" eyepiece adapter and adjustable focusing tension
Unique new base design with side braces for increased stability
Base outfitted with EbonyStar on Virgin Teflon azimuth bearings for optimized motion
Large 8" diameter ABS plastic altitude bearings with adjustable CorrecTension knobs
Navigation knob
IntelliScope Object Locator system
9-volt battery (for IntelliScope Object Locator)
Base handle
Eyepiece rack (holds one 2" eyepiece and three 1.25" eyepieces)
9x50 finder scope
35mm DeepView 2" eyepiece
10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece
Cooling Accelerator Fan
12V battery pack for Cooling Fan (requires 8 D cell batteries: not included)
Dust covers for top and bottom tube sections
Collimation Cap
Base assembly hardware
Orion Starry Night Special Edition software
Instruction manual

Gary Seronik in Sky & Telescope — July 2009
"I was struck by the attention to little details, all based on time-tested Dobsonian principles, that demonstrated that this scope was designed by someone who understood how it would be used in the field."

"If the SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope were a car, it would be the model that dealers keep in the showroom to impress prospective buyers."

"The XX12 comes with the most effective altitude friction adjustment I've seen on a commercial Dob... The motions of the SkyQuest are among the best I've experienced..."

"If good optics in an easy-to-aim, well-built scope were the end of the story, the 12-inch SkyQuest would be a winner. But there's much more."

"I had fun using the computerized locator. I really got a kick out of choosing objects at random just to see what would greet me in the eyepiece. It was fun - and isn't that what telescopes are all about?"

"Of the three commercial 12-inch Dobsonians I've used in recent months, the XX12 is the one I enjoyed the most."

"I think the SkyQuest XX12 IntelliScope Truss Tube Dobsonian is the ideal next scope for any observer who has learned his or her chops on an 8-inch or smaller instrument and is ready to move up to something bigger."

Consider one of the "Observer's Packages" for getting the most out of your telescope.

Orion solar filter also available for this telescope