The Zoom H1 looks pretty easy to use.  Anyone use this?

A couple things came to mind with this... is she going to do post-production (editing) as well? Access to good noise reduction tools makes the quality of the mic/recording less of an issue. Also, if she is not editing the track, it would help both her and the editor to insert transients (like clapping) when she makes a mistake which will avoid her having to rewind to the "right spot" and also assist the editor in knowing where to look. The noise reduction piece is the more critical of the two - without those, the quality of the recording will most likely become an issue.

I mentioned my DR 40 as an example only, For most people the 2 track recorders are a lot cheaper and that much easier to operate. But that said, I often lend my DR 40 to my wife when she goes to conferences and she's never had a problem recording with the mikes. Hit the record 2x. Once you configure it it remains staatic, I rarley have to go into the menues. But they are no different than a digital cameras menu, set the date etc. The DR40 is a bit more complex because you have the differnt recording options but there's a dedicated button for that. 
I like the fact it uses a full size SD card. Most use the micro SD which don't hold as much data. 
I bought my band mate friend the TAscam DR 05 for $75 and it's all you really need. 
I think the Zoom and Tascams are very close but it's worth while to compair features. 
 
USB buss power? 
SD card?
Overdub?
Full size headphone jack? 
Movable mike possition ?
XLR or mini jack aux inputs? 
 
 
And a note about editing. I dump my files into Wave Lab where I top and tail and normalize. You generally won't want to record to hot to avoid clipping. SO some sort of editing will be needed, mostly normalizing.. never had to deal with noise ever, they record real clean unless your in a noisy room. 

Hi. I agree with the Zoom suggestion. The H1 should do the trick.
We used a H6 (I believe it was) for  small concert venues with a band I played in recently.
Easily dumped onto pc for further distribution/editing.
All the best.

This is pretty cool. i bought one for when i have idea's. It records very good. It has a surprisingly powerful microphone. Record and put in a USB port. Check it out.
 
USB Flash Drive Voice & Audio Recorder - 4GB
 
http://www.pulsetv.com/USB-Flash-Drive-Voice-Audio-Recorder-4GB/productinfo/6165/
 
this is the correct link above.
 
 
 
 

Remember the hand held recorders of old?  They use to record and playback micro-cassettes.  Most people called them dictaphones after the company that invented the form.  Doctors and lawyers still use them to transcribe notes while students use them to record classroom lectures.
 
Now they record on digital storage media.  Walmart and office supply places sell them.  Get once that can be voice activated, has a USB port to transfer files and can record either lossy (MP3) or lossless (WAV) audio files.  Some even have accessories to record telephone conversations and external microphone connection.
 
A hardware recorder doesn't tie a person to a computer but will allow a person to use one if they so desire.
 
Here is one for less than $20 and very simple to operate:  https://www.walmart.com/i...ck/136715639#read-more

For the money those they make for dictating are not very good quality, I tried one of the $40 devices.. The mikes are bad and they have Auto leveling which on the one I tried could not be shut off. I was going to buy it for my wife to use, but it's like night and day the quality you get on a $80 Zoom or Tascam. I think the one I demoed was a Philips. You'll get the same as those using your cell phone. 
 
Here's a pretty good overview of the ones made for music. 
http://www.wirerealm.com/guides/top-10-best-portable-recorders
 

Windows has Voice Recorder. It may be all she needs. However I think Audacity is a better choice. 

The thread kinda went off sidewaays but in a way the quesion might have been what is a simple "set up" for recording voice for a pod cast. 
Konrad mentioned a USB mike will be needed etc. so we are also taking most cost effective hardware and software becuase you really need both. 
I pick a Handy recorder over a USB mike because of the quality and convenience. Also they will maintain value for re sale.
 
You might as well talk into your laptops mike as to use many cheap quality USB mikes. And then you might as well purchase a whole USB interface XLR mike etc than spend too much on a USB mike. 
 
I'm sure many just use cheap headset mikes plugged into the mini jack.