1) Really up to what you use, but I use Handcent SMS (better than stock SMS app I think), Root Explorer (if your rooted), Pretty much all the apps from Google (Earth, Voice, Goggles, Gesture Search etc), Pandora, Shazam, MetaMorth (if your rooted, its for looks), ShootMe (If your rooted, takes screenshots), Beautiful Widgets, HelixLauncher2 (I think thats for the Nexus only, so HelixLauncher1 for Droid, its for looks)
2) Turn screen brightness down (set to auto if droid has it), keep wifi and bluetooth off
3)Root Root Root. Then you can install custom roms and morphs (skins)