Check out the Aerobird Challenger by HobbyZone. The price has recently been dropped to $109. Its a terrific flying plane, very rugged, with plentiful spare parts availablity on line and in most hobby stores. If you decide to buy one, don't bother with the "sport mode" and go right away with the "pro mode". You'll have much better control of the plane. Eventually, when you get very comfortable with it, you can make a simple tail modification that greatly boosts its performance. You'll be happy with this plane for quite some time.

Meanwhile, while you are trying to decide what to get, go to Toys-R-Us, Target, etc. and get an AirHogs AeroAce. Its a small 2-channel plane that is an absolute blast to fly. You already know how to fly 2-channel, but this one is so easy, that your friend will be able to fly it on the first try. Its virtually indestructable and only costs $30. You get about 12 minutes of flight time per charge and its an absolute blast. Everyone from beginner to expert loves it. Then you can be enjoying flying right now, while you take your time to decide which "real" plane to get.