I also got one for Christmas. It came with the extra's. Algebra, writing, spanish, ect. I like it so far. Extras would depend on what you want as far as cds, but I find one of those Fly cases come in handy. As far as the handwriting just try to follow the chart of how to write the numbers and letters and it should be fine. I like the reminder thingy. I was worried it wouldn't go off, but it did. It was off too, which was pretty cool.
Hope I helped
♥ Brit