Refractors with focal ratios of 12 or more will have less problems at higher magnifications, but are limited in their aperture because of that focal ratio times the diameter of the scope thing. Object selection may determine your choice of telescope. And they travel well. If you like relatively wide fields of view, say in the 3-4 degree range then a short focal length refractor may be a good choice. You could also consider a premium short focal length refractor as these can provide both wide field views and tolerate levels of magnification that a Cheap refractor could not deliver.
Reflectors are the cheaper way to go.
SCT s are easier to computerize. The cheapest way to do this is with a Dobsonian mounted Newtonian reflector. You want a big mirror to catch more light. David Kriege makes big dobs. Dobs don t track the earths rotation.