I would go with mesh heads if possible. I realize they're more expensive, but drummers will appreciate these for sure. I bought some mesh heads from Hart (who make them for the Roland V Drum kits) and they rule! I also use a Trigger Finger, as i'm not a drummer either, and it's great. Yes, a pain to program the first time, but way better than playing beats on a keyboard! Pretty cheap as well. The DM5 IMHO is outdated as far as the sounds and I noticed that the note length is not assignable either, so when you see the MIDI notes in PT they are tiny circles with X's in them! Sure you can go back and change the note durations in PT, but....
Anyone using the Alesis I/O MIDI thing?
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfri...ace?sku=449754