I don't think any computer running Linux is in any way appropriate for someone who "doesn't want to tinker" except if someone else is doing systems administration for him. (!)
Otherwise, except if he insists on a particular distru, Manjaro on a new PBP just works, and works well. That is, after you get past the Catalan keyboard issue. I wouldn't use it for myself, Arch Linux just isn't for me; but then I don't mind to "tinker": I prefer AmigaOS or NetBSD.
Otherwise, except if he insists on a particular distru, Manjaro on a new PBP just works, and works well. That is, after you get past the Catalan keyboard issue. I wouldn't use it for myself, Arch Linux just isn't for me; but then I don't mind to "tinker": I prefer AmigaOS or NetBSD.