Shoutbox

Onboard sound (allows 8 channel if you get the additional hook up cable) and onboard network.

I'm using the onboard sound on my board and for general music playing I can't tell the difference between this and my old SB Live 1024.

To be honest, unless this kid is going to be doing huge amount of audio sampling and remixing (he won't be, already found out from dad about that) I don't see what benefit a soundcard will offer.