Buddy needs to buy a SIM card, activate it, add the data plan, and then set up APN settings. I lifted this from the Speakout FAQ.

Please ensure your phone is unlocked, you have a positive account balance and an active Data subscription by way of a 30 Day Value Plan or Add-on. Additionally, make sure your phone is programmed with the SpeakOut Wireless data settings:

APN: rogers-core-appl1.apn
APN type: default,supl,mms
Proxy: Not set
Port: Not set
Username: Not set
Password: Not set
Server: Not set
MMSC: http://mms.gprs.rogers.com
MMS Proxy: mmsproxy.rogers.com
MMS Port: 80
MCC: 302
MNC: 720
Authentication Type: Not set
APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
APN Roaming Protocol: IPV4/IPv6
Bearer: Unspecified
MVNO type: None

If you need assistance adding these settings into your phone, please contact your handset manufacturer.

I tried to get info from the official speakout website without success, so asking you:
I have a friend coming to visit me in Vancouver for 10 days and I am trying to understand the total price that he would pay to buy a SIM + plan. He has his own phone, and he's thinking about using only data (no talk, no messaging).

1) First of all, the available top-ups are only $25, $35, $50, $100? There's nothing like $10, for example?
2) I saw that there's a promotion for a monthly plan with 2GB of data for $30. So the overall price would be $45 = $10 (Sim card) + $35 (top-up to activate the plan)? Is $35 enough to activate the $30 plan, including taxes and other fees (if any)?
3) He can just buy the Sim at a store and then top-up and activate online, right?
4) Do you have experience with coverage in the Vancouver area?

Thank you!