Carmelreader - I think she'll love the NT. It's super easy to use and for you buying, head to Walmart!! They have them on sale this week until May 5th $79 for the reader & get a $30 Walmart gift card!!
If you're as wonderful a friend as you sound, use the Walmart gift card to buy a $25 Amazon gift card so she gets a wonderful reader and $25 to spend on books.
and you can use the remaining $5 to buy a drink for yourself or snacks while she reads.
I have issues with my wrist and in sheer numbers, the added difference in weight of the touch may not seem like much on paper but it certainly adds up to pain in practice!!! So it most definitely does matter. The lighter non-touch will make a world of difference to her.