Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone!
I have gone against what I was saying and bought this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190470188852
If it turns out to be too much for him then I will get him something else and keep this for myself, method in the madness.
Again, thank you all for everything, I'm sure I will be pestering you all for advice on a regular basis.