The manual has a cut off time (5 seconds) and it takes an hour or two to get the hang of bypassing the cutoff feature comfortably. It's worth it though, to many vapers for various reasons.
Personally, I prefer the drip resistant Sealed Automatics.
Neither one is "better" than the other, they both have their place. I would suggest getting one of each and then
buy some extras of his favorite type on your next run for more cartos. (that's a given, no matter what type of
ecig you purchase, always need more cartos).
Best of luck!