Inc: New Verizon HTC Eris incoming

[waxlight]

I just ordered my Verizon HTC Eric today. It'll be my first time running something with the Android operating system (I'm coming from a nerfed Verizon HTC touch pro, which drove me up the wall with the lag).

So, my question is - what are a good few things to do first? Is there an unlocking procedure similar to the way there was from the touch pro, or is Android more open out of the box? What sort of tips/trick are there to improve the battery life? What are some of the best apps out there?

I'm starting for 0 here, so any and all suggestions are appreciated - I've been reading through the forums posts, but I very well have missed a few things.

Thanks!