I think the ReZound or even the (shudder) Razr is a better choice for a non-tech user. Please understand, the Nexus (all of them) are Pure Google experieince, you don't have apps that hold your hand like on most phones (yes I know, bloat, bloat).
Think of it this way - if you were going to buy a new computer, would you want Windows 7 on it, or the newest, bleeding edge version of Windows 8 which you've never seen? Of course a computer nerd wants the latest and the greatest - figuring out the new software and learning how to use is part of the fun!!!
For a normal person, who wants, new, fast easy, and it just works....... bleeding edge ain't so great! This is the FIRST phone with the new version of Android. The phone has no buttons on it at all. Here is an example:
When you are at the home screen, and want to go into settings, you do this:
Hit the MENU button
Choose settings
Change whatever you need to change.
It was like that in Android 1.6, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc, etc - you hit that sequence without even THINKING about it.
You CANT do that in ICS and on the Nexus - there is no menu button - the way you interface with the phone is DIFFERENT now......
Is it better? Is it worse? Google thinks it's better, that's why they changed it, but the bottom line is, you will be learing a new way of interacting with your phone.
For some people, that IS the biggest selling point! For others, it wil be a huge PITA.
I'm not trying to scare you away from the Nexus, just know going in that its gonna be a like a new car, and when you go to hit the cruise control, you are gonna accidentally turn on the windshield wipers a few times before you learn the new layout and controls........
Hope this helps you decide.