Can anyone recommend a cheap but worthwhile desktop telescope?

[Blatherskite]

I think DH might like one but we haven't got much of a budget this year and I don't want to waste our money on something that's not worth using.

Or is it a totally daft idea being as we live in a city?

DP bought himself one of those a few months ago so he could see the space station/shuttle/thingy. There's a website that'll tell when to look out of your window so you can see it. It will only work on clear enough nights though and I should imagine light pollution in the city will inhibit it's use too.

DP has used his about 5 times in as many months. However, it is a nice thing to have and it isn't expensive. DP got his in John Lewis. This is it. They have cheaper ones though.

We saw this fantastic tripod one at the weekend, heavily reduced in Jessops. Really good buy.

For star gazing a decent pair of binoculars is better than a cheaper telescope.

You can still stargaze in a city, but you obviously see less than out in the countryside.

A good guide with starmaps is helpful so you know what you're looking at, but if you're on a budget there are some free smarphone apps that give you sarmaps for free.

Thanks for your help. I might have a look for some binoculars. Bit worried we're just too light polluted to see much though