First Time MacBook Pro Owner - Questions

Hi everyone...
I'll first say that this is my first Apple machine and my first laptop, so I'm entering new territory...that being said, my apologies if some of my questions seem silly.
1) In a general sense, are laptops any more fragile (for lack a better word) than desktop machines? I ask only because with laptops having batteries and other different components when compared to desktops, I am curious as to whether or not there are certain precautions I need to take with my MacBook Pro.
2) Along the same lines as 1), how should I handle my laptop when not in use? Should I put it to sleep every time? When should I put it to sleep as opposed to shutting it down? With my PC desktop, I'd just leave it running for days on end and I never encountered any problems with it.
3) I tend to leave my laptop plugged in to the AC power adaptor while in use...will this cause any problems in any way? I've heard that the MacBook Pro has a built-in feature where it will not "overcharge" the battery, but I wanted to make sure leaving it plugged in all the time will not damage it or the battery.
Also, if you all have any general maintenance or usage tips for me given my utter lack of knowledge about Macs and laptops in general, I'd appreciate it! I plan on making my recent investment in my MacBook Pro last as long as I can!
Thanks!
MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.9)

PhiPsi JB:
First, welcome to Apple Discussions and congratulations on your new MacBook Pro (MBP). I bought one last November and I have been very happy with it. I agree with Templeton but I some other suggestions as well.
Since portable computers can be moved around, it's much easier for them to be damaged than a desktop Mac. As I'm sure you already know, your new computer will get all your attention and the older ones don't get as much use. So, I'm sure you will be using your MBP a lot and it will collect your most recent and precious data.
If you drop your MBP (God forbid!) then you will want to have a backup of your data so you can easily recover after it's repaired. My suggestion is to use a program like SuperDuper! (don't let the name fool you) to backup your system drive to an external hard drive. In my case, I partitioned my external drive with the first partition being a complete copy of my MBP's original system drive configured for my network. Then if I have any future problems, I can reboot back to the original OSX to troubleshoot any problems.
The second partition of the external hard drive has multiple images of my system drive after any updates. That way if, for some reason, an Apple update doesn't work, I can revert my system drive back to how it was prior to the update. Of course, I always do a backup prior to doing ANY updates. That's just good sense.
If you can afford it, purchase Applecare to protect your investment. It's expensive up front but if you ever need it then it will be cheap insurance.
If I'm not using my MBP for a while, I like put it in its case. It not only protects the unit but also keeps it clean. The thin aluminum case is prone to dents so by keeping it in its case, it will stay looking like new. I don't know if you have a glossy or matte screen finish but be sure to get the proper cleaner to clean your screen with. If you don't then whenever you clean your screen you could scratch it.
Finally, purchase a cover for the area where the heel of your hands rest on the MBP case on either side of the mouse pad. Others have reported that over time, stains and pits have appeared on the case which, I believe, was reported to be caused by sweat. I bought a plastic cover for that area in an Apple store and it helps keep my MBP looking clean.
Enjoy your MBP and I hope you never have any problems.
Gerry

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When I setup my new MacBook Pro, something slipped by me and my computer was named First-Lasts-MacBook-Pro (using my real first and last name).
I changed the computer name in Preferences/Sharing to a new name and Preferences/Accounts to just be Mike. I can right click on my account name, choose advanced, and see that everything looks right.
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