Any problems? - i dont own one but i havent heard much complaining about them except for the initial release problems there was with noise and some weird sensor thing happening - i dont think that is a problem any more.

with regards to the second question: not sure about the extra batteries - i havent needed an extra battery on my 30d... check the specs, i have ~1100 shots (non-flash) before battery change apparently... never needed to use that on a day out or even a weekend of shooting... although an extra battery for backup is always a nice security blanket (one which i am yet to have)

Basically you will get to know what you want to get after you have played around with it for a bit and realise how you shoot and what you do... for instance you might decide to shoot RAW and thus you will need a larger (and maybe faster) than normal memory card, or you will realise that the kit lens really doesnt do close up shots justice and will want to buy a macro lens...

So yeah - dont go all out and buy everything you think you might need because you may not use it... i only recently bought a monopod (not even on route for a tripod yet): from about 2 pages back in my gallery every single shot was taken hand held...

So yeah - just get the basics for now, because if you arent in a hurry to get the equipment then taking time in considering what you need pays dividends in the long run...

"In every colour, there's the light.
In every stone sleeps a crystal.
Remember the Shaman, when he used to say:
Man is the dream of the Dolphin"

Rich Meadows Photography