That NexStar does look pretty sweet. But it's still just a trainer. If it doesn't cost anymore than the other trainers I'd get it. Bells and whistles don't teach you how to fly. As for it's funny built in upgrade path. Why? I wouldn't mess with a nice trainer, someone else might want to learn to fly with it someday. A real 2nd plane is so much better than trying to soup up a trainer. - Joe