I think if the OP is asking about starter guides, they're likely not loading custom firmware to compile their own sources and monitor battery performance. Over complication IMO is one of the huge drawbacks of android. (and I am a mobile programmer, so my knowledge base is pretty strong if I had to judge here).

Android for an iPhone user is simple, Android Marketplace = App Store, Mail = Mail, tada! Setting up everything to work through your gmail and google apps is a definite plus in getting started, and really provides a seamless experience. Plus if she decides to jump ship and move to the iOS, all of those Google Apps sync well with iOS. How's her experience now that she's used it for a while now?