Hi Sandra,
My advice is to take your time, read up on the pros and cons of the different types of telescopes, and come to an event where you can look through various members' telescopes before purchasing anything.
A good resource for reading up on equipment basics is "
The Backyard Astronomers Guide". There are also lots
of vendor links on the
HAL website and if you want a first-hand look at some higher-end equipment, you can visit one of the few remaining brick and mortar astronomy shops in the US - which happens to be local for us HAL members - Company Seven Astro-Optics - in Laurel, MD (301)
953-2000.
Regards,
Victor
HAL President