MPC 500 with MAC ReCycle and MPC Pad 187

hi all, i want to buy my little cousin a MPC 500. i use a 1000 and love it but it's a little more than my budget for the kid. i have a couple of questions:

does recycle support program files for the 500?

does mpc pad 187 make programs compatible with the 500?

any advice on the best cheapest way to get him set-up with an mpc?

he's got a mac and the programs.

thanks for your help

does recycle support program files for the 500?
yes

does mpc pad 187 make programs compatible with the 500?
yes

any advice on the best cheapest way to get him set-up with an mpc?

Just buy it for him. Its worth every penny. Check Ebay first also Check Craigslist in your area. You should be able to get a new one for like $450
and a Used one with the 128mb memory installed for the same or less.