If you upgrade to a new mac, it comes pre installed on the hard drive.
if not, you can get it as part of the ilife 04 software suite, which
sells for approximately L39, or about $80 usa.
It also includes itunes, iphoto, imovie and idvd.
You need mac osx 10.2.6 or better, 10.3 preferable according to
computer music magazine.
It ships with 50 software instruments, everything from prophet 5,
dx7,mini moog, mini moog modular etc.
I think this is the main reason its so popular with the kids, they get
so many software synths with it right off the bat, plus its a program
most of their mac friends will have.
This is important to the kids, as they can learn and practice what to
do at their computer and then they will also know what to do when at a
friends house at a jam session.
.
Lots of effects like reverb, chorus, delay etc.
includes 1000 apple loops, can sequnce midi, loops, record audio input
such as guitar or mic.
accepts apple audio unit plugins to expand.
Optional extra jam pack includes 2000 apple loops, another 100
softsynths, another 100 effects presets, and 15 guitar amp settings.
L69 or about $140 usa.
Where else can you buy 150 softsynths, and musical instruments and 2000
loop library for $250? (get em both) That is the main selling point
of this package, but its a full sequencer too.
I would not compare it to the cubase sx sequencers, as those are a pro
level sequencer, and this is a program that appeals to the teenagers.
He most likely will be able to do just as good as you on cubase, and
maybe even beat you if he has the jam pack, for the simple reason he
will have so many more intruments available than you.
He will be able to load your midi files., so you can have him use his
intruments to make the mix of your songs too.
Now cubase se is a bit closer to cubase sx, and it might be nice you
get that too, for tather son projects, as it would make ti a lot easier
for you to help him setup, etc.