mages are extremely easy to level and for new player i highly recommend them. all the way through leveling all you do is spam frostbolt and i believe around level 10 is when you get a water elemental as a pet, as long as your talents are stacked well, you easily take down mobs before they even touch you.
yes you make have more mana frequently, but that is the beauty of mages, you never have to spend any money on food/drinks because u make your own
Mages are awesome. At level 40 is when everything picks up, but until then, it's really easy. Just don't get a big head and try and take on large mobs. If more than 1 thing is attacking you, you're doin it wrong.
The beauty of mages is at higher levels getting teleport. It's the best spell in the game, IMO.
Roll a blood elf mage... you'll enjoy it, and arcane torrent is a great tribute. Not to mention the bonus in enchanting, which is a common mage profession.