I'm getting ready to start a new character and I'm thinking about going mostly mage (Destruction, Illusion, Enchanting, Alteration or Conjuration, and perhaps Smithing).

With this mage I've already decided he is going to have Lydia as a companion (to hopefully tank the damage) and I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to pick up smithing to create and improve her armor and weapons. I'd say 80% - 90% of my Skyrim play time has been as a solo player so I'm not really sure if just found weapons and armor would keep her alive or even useful. I only play on adept and sometimes expert if the game feels too easy, if that matters. I realize at higher levels I will be able to double enchant her armor (I'll probably go with extra health and resists) and weapons to keep her useful and alive (alive as in not getting knocked down to one knee in each and every battle), but if my past playtime is any indication it will be awhile before I get to 100 enchanting.

Thanks,

Yes, just about every character I play uses smithing. If they don't need it themselves, then the most useful followers are the complementary ones who do. The only time I don't use it is when I make a thief or assassin who operates without any followers, and some of the solo ones use it for better weapons.

I use followers 98% of the time...75% are tanks that need armor. One of the things that I do, is look for an Item that Improves smithing and buy it as soon as I can. I won't un-enchant it until my characters enchanting is high enough to do any good. On characters that smith, I don't do enchanting.

I pretty much follow the rule that if the mercenaries walking the road ( or bandit's) are wearing the next tier up in armor, then my follower should be using the equivalent. This is more helpful on mage characters, as my own warriors probably have better equipment and so do their followers.

This is what works best for my mages... give any "good" armor to follower, if they put it on, take note. When they get to town, take everything but that item ( and one out-fit) away, sell it... then take the "new" armor away, buy the items to temper it ( hopefully with enchanted smithing gear and a potion) ... go enchant it and then give it back.

So far this has worked rather well for me, my followers get the best, specially at higher lvl's. Give them good potions and enchanted gear.