the mrs is getting a HTC sensation given to her.. (she's got some olddddddd phone).
I've always been using the iphone.. so basically neither of us know what to do with the HTC phone.
Got a data plan set up. sim card-check.

any helpful 'getting started' guides on what to do?

I see the thread about 'fav android apps' that'll definitely help.

Any advice appreciated!

I'm new to Android, having recently gotten a Samsung Galaxy S2. While I haven't had a lot of free time to spend working with it, I've found some ideas on http://androidforums.com/.

+1 that is a great community
Also check out http://www.droid-life.com/

My advice: make sure that she uses all the Google services, i.e. Mail, Calendar, Reader, Docs, Chrome (for sharing bookmarks), etc. Everything will be integrated with the phone.

google maps a life saver. Kindle for android, netflix, dolphin browser, camscanner, flashlight are basics

Make sure she gets the Amazon Appstore - they have a free paid app of the day. Most of the time it is a game but sometimes they have functional apps, some of them really useful.

I also like:
3G Watchdog - monitors our data usage
Award Wallet
Battery Time Lite - shows battery remaining as a percentage
ESPN Score Center
Evernote - super note taking app
Flight View - tracks flights real time
Flyer Talk
Gas Buddy - finds closest gas stations and show prices
Grocery IQ - grocery shopping list app
Kayak
Lookout - virus scanner and lost phone finder
Google Reader - RSS reader for all the cool travel blogs
Open Table - restaurant reservations on the go
RN Dining - shows Reward Network dining places
ShopSavvy - scan a barcode and it compares prices
Sky Scanner
Wi Fi Finder - scans for wi fi
Yelp

A lot of apps are hit-and-miss, you can always remove it if it is not worthwhile. Have fun exploring!

I don't know how 'knowledgeable' you are with programming and modifications, but the beauty of HTC phones (and Android) is that they allow you to unlock the bootloader (kind of like unlocking the OS) and the 'world of Android' opens up.

Check out the HTC website to unlock the bootloader and this website to do the other parts of unlocking the phone. After that, you're able to install a huge variety of custom ROMS (OS, really) that is free of HTC/carrier lockdowns. Also, you can already install stable ICS releases onto your phone.

If you really don't care for all that, then I suggest you get an Anker 1900 mAh battery (off Ebay) as that will bring the battery life to acceptable levels. Just remember to download a free battery stat calibration app after you get the battery. After that, just use Android Market just like the App Store and get whatever apps you like. The big plus with Android Market is there are far more useful free apps on it than App Store.

I think if the OP is asking about starter guides, they're likely not loading custom firmware to compile their own sources and monitor battery performance. Over complication IMO is one of the huge drawbacks of android. (and I am a mobile programmer, so my knowledge base is pretty strong if I had to judge here).

Android for an iPhone user is simple, Android Marketplace = App Store, Mail = Mail, tada! Setting up everything to work through your gmail and google apps is a definite plus in getting started, and really provides a seamless experience. Plus if she decides to jump ship and move to the iOS, all of those Google Apps sync well with iOS. How's her experience now that she's used it for a while now?

Don't forget Google DNA, Google Blood Sample, Google First Born Child
See, e.g.,
http://www.theonion.com/articles/goo...settlin,16891/
http://www.theonion.com/articles/goo...mation-i,1783/

This is one of my main concerns with an Android based device. While I do have some information on Google - general calendar entries, basic email back and forth between small circle of friends and family, and basic address book entries, the vast majority of my info is saved on my computer locally, I remain concerned about having to sync all this information up to Google in order to have it accessible on a 'droid device. I remain a steadfast supporter of wired sync between my computer and whatever device I'm using.

That said, these guides are helpful to a new user to assist in understanding Android, devices and what the "best" programs are for their needs.

This isn't 100% true. I'm syncing to both my work and google address books, contacts, calendars, etc. Whenever I enter something new I'm prompted as to which directory I want to save it in. In my case, if it's work related it goes into work, if personal it goes to Google. I've also set up a new Google account that I use for nothing other than this purpose just to keep things clean. I really like not having everything stored on the phone, and when I had one early crash I didn't lose any data as it was all stored remotely.

The built in mail system is fine and it synched up to my somewhat touchy Outlook perfectly on the first try. I'm actually using 2 mailers - one icon is GMAIL and the other EMAIL, I think they're both part of the original set of apps.

Android Marketplace has been replaced by Google Play (the shortcut is labeled Play Store).

One of the major complaints of the HTC Sensation is the puny battery (1450 mAh). I know, as I gave the Sensation to my wife. You don't have to be geek to realize you're getting crappy battery life out of your phone. The 1900 mAh Anker battery gives it the firepower the HTC Sensation should have had as that level of battery is standard with the Sensation XL.