Keep in mind he's sort of new to the gear we're suggesting as well. I 100% agree that software is the way to go, but the software route can get expensive too.
If he's wanting to get his feet wet, and get something that's not too expensive that will fit his needs. Hardware wise the MC-808 would do the job for him.
GarbryRox,
When I said the Xa and Juno-G have a "rhythm pattern sequencer" that means both those units will allow you to construct multiple rhythm patterns. You can then go into the 16 track linear sequencer and "chain" those patterns in any order you wanted using a dedicated "pattern track" that's within the linear sequencer.
For $1000 you could get an MC-808 and a midi controller. That would without question keep you busy for a while. Then down the road once you've become more familiar with the gear, you could move over to a software set up. Like I said I also agree that the software setup is really the best way to go, but that route can get costly. If you go with software you're gonna need more RAM. Once you start getting deep into the sequencing and using multiple softsynths along with things like effects you're gonna start eating up RAM pretty fast. I sould suggest "at least" 512MB RAM. Just my opinion though.
[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 02-14-2007).]
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GEAR: Yamaha MOXF-6, Casio MZX-500, Roland Juno-Di, M-Audio Venom, Roland RS-70, Yamaha PSR S700, M-Audio Axiom Pro-61 (Midi Controller). SOFTWARE: Mixcraft-7, PowerTracks Pro Audio 2013, Beat Thang Virtual, Dimension Le.