Michael.
The lower end equatorial mounts can get frustrating. They can be improved, but not by much. You haven't said how old your son is. I would say if he is 12 or under he may well find this mount frustrating and loose interest. Especially at times when the eyepiece is pointing down and the tube rings have to be loosened and the tube rotated. A good EQ mount can bring years of enjoyment, a poor quality one days of frustration before you put it into the cupboard an hardly use it again. If you are sure an EQ mount is the way to go then look for a second hand, well maintained EQ3 as a minimum for that particular scope.
Steve's advice about a 6" or 8" Dobsonian is great advice. Easy to use, plonk it down anywhere and in any direction and your ready to go. Eyepiece is always at the right spot, though you might have to crouch down occassionally. If a kid is old enough to look through the eyepiece then they are old enough to use a Dobsonian. You never know he might have it long enough to pass it onto his son
