I very much suggest the Celestron NextStar 102. They are under $500, and that's inexpensive for a GoTo telescope.

If you'd like to be a bit more thrifty, the Celestron Sky Scout Scope 90 is also an excellent choice – it's around $200 but you aim and track yourself.

Even more small telescope reviews will be coming up in the near future – ones that don't break your wallet and are worthy equipment. In the meantime? Steer clear of ANY telescope you see in a department store. There's a brand name manufucturer out there that has one that's not worth it, depsite the name on the scope.

Now where could I go about getting such a telescope, and what would the price tag on it be?

I desperately want to see the planets with my own eyes.