Highly recommend the Pioneer DDJ-SX/SX2. It has a 4 channel mixer which isn’t dependant on software so if the laptop crashes you can fall back to an CDJs/ipod/vinyl if you have to. That should keep your CDJ buddy happy about potential laptop issues. As far as your newbie DJ buddy maybe download Serato remote App for his Ipad and give it to him to have a bash on the effects/looping/sampler/velocity pads when your playing out. That will still keep him involved and feeling part of the team. Just tell him to go easy with the effects or things might get a bit crazy!! Or maybe you could give him a triangle or a tambourine and get him to strut around the stage aka Bez style! 😉
