The most user friendly PVR (with or without IceTV) is the Humax HDR-7500T. Can only record 2 shows at once but that may be all he needs. Has built in show name based series recording - just click on the show in the EPG and it records the series, as long as the title doesn't change.
A Topfield 5300 would be a little more complicated (the menu system would be familiar to you if you needed to help him). Can record 4 shows from 2 networks at once. Has built in show name based series recording - just click on the show in the EPG and it records the series, as long as the title doesn't change.
The T2 would be a nightmare for a non-tech savvy user. Can record a gazillion shows from 3 networks (comes with USB tuner). Has very flexible series timer settings if he is capable of figuring them out.
The main advantage the T2 has is that you would never have to explain to him why his Humax or Topfield recordings sometimes don't have the end padding added (when he records back to back shows). Or why sometimes he can record 2 shows and watch a 3rd and other times he can't.
The 500GB Humax HDR-7500T costs a measly $265 with WiFi dongle included.
The 500GB T2 for $399 (WiFi dongle $59 extra) is actually quite a bargain for someone capable of operating it.
https://www.icetv.com.au/store/pvrs/