Noob here...where can I purchase bitcoins & is it an instant conversion (USD->BC)?
I would like to get in on this GB.
Try btcquick or bitinstant. For a better price in about 7 days try coinbase. Thanks for your interest.
If he doesn't have his bank account set up with Coinbase, he'll have to wait a few extra days for it to be verified.
Coinbase can actually verify your bank account instantly if you give them your bank login and password (for most banks). It will still take a week to actually get the bitcoins that you bought though. That amazes me in the 21st century with an electronic currency.