I've read through the "absolute beginner's quick guide", and I've read around quite a lot. I'm looking to upgrade from a borrowed Bushnell 565 refractor, and my budget puts me into the $500 category (just lol). I've been looking at 10" and 12" inch truss Dobs, at that size I need the truss options for storage and transport.

I've got two second hand options; a 10" dob with goto mount (comes with 2 lenses and collimator), or a 12" manual dob for a little less but more lenses and filters. But truss and can be disassembled. Should I just go "max aperture!"? I'm tempted by the goto because my kid observes with me, and if finding and tracking is easier she might have a better time?

Either will be an upgrade from what I have. But also 10" to 12" doesn't give a full magnitude increase...but both will be a big step up from what I have.

I'm just stuck and looking for advice I suppose lol. Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I decided to go with the 10" goto dob at that price. I decided that the tracking convenience would be good with a kid (and honestly myself lol). I also figure the price is ridiculously cheap and if I decide I want to sell it on for something else I should be able to get what I paid for it or near enough (no intention to scalp it). I also fixed the spelling mistake in "advance" because it was really bugging me. Thank you to everyone for your help! I'll hopefully have plenty to contribute to this sub soon! I'll have to update how it turns out if the weather ever clears.