I personally prefer to learn at the table; I don’t use my shtender, (although it’s possible that if I had a tabletop shtender, I would use it). So my first recommendation is to make sure he actually would use it, or buy from a store with a good return policy.
When I do use a shtender (on occasion in a beis medrash), I prefer a solid wood one with a good foot rest. I don’t enjoy the pressed wood adjustable top model, although it has adjustable height as well as angle, so some do prefer it. I once received one as a gift, but it didn’t hold up well (although it’s possible that they are now better made).
Your best option is to buy from a store with many models available so that if he indeed wants one, he can always exchange for the model he wants. If the store has a good money-back return policy, but a more expensive model (depending on your budget, of course), because otherwise he might feel awkward exchanging for a better one.