Bushings vs bearings - maintenance difficulty
Bushings and bearings are nearly identical in terms of the replacement procedure. Personally I think bearings are the better option because bushings typically are manufactured and supported only by the bike manufacturer. This means when the bike becomes discontinued, most of the time, so do the bushings.

If you need a bearing replaced, you can typically look on the dust seal and get an equivalent Wheels Manufacturing Bearing.

As far as a specialty tool (for bearings), in a pinch, you can


Use a flat head screwdriver and tap the bearing out side by side
Press the bearing in with the correct sized socket from a socket kit


The press you would need can either be borrowed from an Auto Parts store, or use a long bolt, and a nut with a washer to make a "homemade" press.

See this video

The actual tool looks like this

For bushing replacement, unfortunately you do need a specific tool to get those guys out.