Not that I have tried crack but I imagine it is every bit as addictive as this. I kept thinking "bed soon" last night and kept saying it til 2am. it's not a good game for decent sleeping patterns.
Up to level 7 at the mo. I'd probably say I'm a mate but I use my shield/Kellogg's Frosties sword (yes, I called it that) when I run out of Magicka. I should probably try other spells but find my dual casting fire hands can defeat most things I've come across so far.
Are soul gems just for recharging enchanted items? I don't think I ever got arouns to using them in Oblivion but seem to remember picking some up.