i advice u go for jogging instead ..

i advice you not advice jogging instead, but advice him on what he asked you to advice him on to begin with.
i think most brands you see nowadays in retail shops are of decent quality, get something that feels and looks solid, i personally prefer metal made dumbells over the synthetic ones.

- for the beginner, try the weights out at the shop and see what fits you best, have one of the shop attendents recommend something for you.

- barbells, eh if you only need the bar for now get the bar, you can always get the bells later.

- bench, no idea dont bench, no space for it ... to many computers 

- exercise balls, ... dont have one, when i was looking at one my friend who came with me kicked it around and we got chased out of the shop.

- price, my weights (25lbs) were about RM40-50 per piece, got on promotion so i got the other side free. shop around, its amazing how much you can save during a sale. brand, cant remember the sticker came off a few years ago 

i used to morning jog till my nipple bleeds. dem sakit i tell you. and geli.