I always use Internet cafes, too. Many hotels have free wireless now.

I would suggest being mindful when buying the laptop, if that's the way he goes. Sure he can just pick up a laptop at any big retailer, but it will have a French (or Belgian) Windows installed on it, and AZERTY keyboard. Not the end of the world, but certainly not practical to change.

It might be a better idea to buy a laptop from North America online and get it shipped there (express), in order to have a Canadian version of Windows, Canadian keyboard, etc. on it.