I am about 15 hours in, and at level 18. I am using a Breton and mainly I am a dual-casting destruction guy after summoning my kickass flame atronach. I started doing the smithing and enchanting stuff (thanks for all the tips) and am up to level 50 in smithing and near 40 in enchanting. I just created my first elven armor to give an armor boost for the time being, although I will probably enchant it with something that will give a magicka restore boost like the robes I was wearing.
Got a question about the Companions quests....