ATM barlows, magnification

[Bob Hazel <machead@qadas.com>]

Ok, I have read the many points about eye pieces, but I have not heard
much about barlows. I don't have my scope together yet, and have never
used a nice scope. My only views were when I was 15 and had a crappy
3"-3.5"(I'm not sure) Jason refractor. Right now I have one eye piece,
it is a 12mm University Optics kellner(I know, still kinda cheap..) but
what I don't get is the magnification with my 8"/f6.7. I will only get
about 113 power. You guys with the f5's and f4's must be using some
kinda of barlow to get a little higher magnification right? right?
  I've heard good things about the TeleView 3x, and the 2.8x Klee. Would
these barlows bring you the up-close views that impress non-astro heads?
  What is a good magnification for planetary views for my scope,
200-250? And do you always have to get up at un-godly hours to get views
of the planets?

  thanks
bob-Denver,CO