Like BigD and Bouncer said, it's possible to download them off any camera after you install the software. But, I have had some less expensive ones that were difficult to download, took a long time, etc. I don't know how you could tell in advance, but I would check those reviews and get one of those.
This one is really easy, but of course, you must stay within your budget. I just won that one, totally unexpected, a few weekends ago. I did a 5k race and ended up being the top fundraiser, and the camera was a reward(I was totally shocked!) So since I didn't buy it I don't know what it's worth.
One today is worth two tomorrows.