I shared the following with a friend who just got an android phone - thought it worth sharing with the rest of the class:

have you started using google voice - number portability is still an issue, but other than that pretty nice. I would also recommend looking at swype (faster text input), opera mini (faster browser), gesture search (easier contact lookup), double twist (easy music synce), tunes remote/gmote (control itunes, computer from phone), & google talk (decent BBM substitute) 

rooting can be helpful, but so far I haven’t really had any occasion to use the rooted access permissions. I think tethering is the big up side… 

lastly, look into task killer and the settings toggles, if I use everything right I can double my battery life with these. 

On the last point I should add I’m going to buy a new (extended) battery, as after a year, I’m having trouble getting through a medium usage day - since I can get at the battery, not a problem!