But the more you learn the greater your enjoyment of your telescope will be. Unless you get a telescope with a computerized GOTO capability, you will have to use sky charts to find objects in the night sky. If you have a local astronomy club, talk with its members. Don't just take the advice of a store salesman. Consider how you will use it and what your expectations will be.
Smaller telescopes are more portable and easily setup.
If you want to get into serious viewing or astrophotography, you'll want a telescope system that matches that requirement. If you see a scope you think you might buy, ask questions on the sci.astro.amateur newsgroup about it. If you think you might go for a Meade DS or ETX model, check out the feedback pages here. Good luck with the decision. I just wanted to add one thought to your response.