I went with Lockpick @ 75 (Comprehension + Skillmag + Vault 3 Utility Jumpsuit = 100) and Science @ 70 (Comprehension + Skillmag + Follower's Labcoat). As long as I don't forget to purchase a few skillmags before going on an adventure I'm fine ^^
I decided to tag Science in the character I'm currently playing (energy, science, sneak) and I've found it astonishly useful. In many cases, Science can be used instead of Repair (ED-E, Helios), Medicine (Freeside drug addicts), and Lockpick (various doors) and is obviously useful in other areas such as hacking. There are many, MANY more dialogue options dealing with Science than in FO3 as well. I'll be getting my Science up to 50 from now on, probably at the expense of Repair.
What I really hate is being locked out. Because of that I'm willing to max out both Lockpicking and Science. But in FO3 every door I encountered could be lockpicked even if it was linked to a computer.
I'm not interested in the extra dialouge options or hacking turrets and stuff, only in doors and safes
How important is Science in New Vegas? Will I miss anything good if i choose not to level it?
i try to get it to 25 around level ten. of course there are skill books. there are one or two quests where high science come in handy. get all skills books. when you are level 20, take a close look at you PC. level 20 means only 10 more levels. so you will need to decide what skills your PC needs the most.