This is probably the most comprehensive location for newbie info:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/new-members-forum/37186-great-info-new-members.html
ThE "ECF Abbreviations 101" link on that page, will give you the explanations of abbreviations/acronyms.
This stuff has been written so many times that it's not likely anyone will run it all down for you in this
thread, with a new post. As far as recommendations, everyone has their own experiences and preferences, so you're likely to get alot of recommendations but it really depends on what will work for you (your boyfriend). This will likely take some trial and error however, one of the most popular and consistently recommended models seems to be the 510.