Hello,
I have the DVD Premium edition of SIMS4, and have received all patches, updates, packs and expansions digitally. I bought the DVD version through Amazon even, but upon registration at Origin the game appeared in "My Games". I can begin it from there every time and all new content appears in my game. Hope this answers the question. And the original DVD does not have to be in the drive.
Thanks, I think that's what she needs to know!