Yes, I know it works for a fact - seen video of it online, but I've yet to try it myself because I don't have AppleTV. The only thing I wasn't sure of is whether it was the "mirror" or other Airplay term.

You can also use a DVI adapter with the AppleTV, though going to VGA might be problematic.

I also forgot to mention the network thing. Yeah, that might be a hurdle unless you can create an ad-hoc network to pair the two devices or if bluetooth could be used instead. I'll be looking that up as it's info I need to provide my friend with as well.