That seems to be the standard retail price atm. I got mine for 160 after I found a 20% coupon. I shelled out another 25 for the batteries/shipping. About $185 total. If I didn't use the coupon I found last min I would have paid the same as you.

With on demand electric vapes you hold the button down for a few seconds then start inhaling, and let go of the button when done. Sort of like a vape pen but a few seconds of wait at the beginning.

Based on what you are saying Ball vape is out of the question as it is not discrete at all. I would honestly recommend the anvil for the use case you are describing as long as you are ok with the following-

Be aware it needs to be used with a small butane torch. You heat it up for about 30 seconds, until it clicks, and then you will be able to take 1-3 draws (depending on the size of hits you take), until all the material is vaporized.

If you want another hit/round after this, you will have to remove the chamber with the magnet on the case, and refill it- repeating the above.

As there are no electronics, the anvil will last a lifetime. You won't have to purchase batteries, just refill your tiny torch once a week or so.

If you are turned off by the butane power aspect, the best on demand electric vape is without a doubt the tinymight 2. It is, however, very expensive ($350). Some have suggested the air vape legacy pro as a low cost on demand alternative, but I have not tried it.

Final thing- keep in mind all of these vapes will still produce vapor that has the clear scent of cannabis. I can confidently say, however, that using the anvil with a device such as the smoke buddy would reduce the smell to essentially nothing. The same cannot be said about any of the electric options, if that matters to you.