If you're reading a walkthrough as you're playing for the first time, you might want to try one that helps you avoid immediate, outright spoilage (unless that's what you want). Try:
http://www.uhs-hints.com/uhsweb/bg2.php
Oh, and I'll second what was said about the staff. You're right about its usefulness, but so are the others in this thread about the timing of its acquisition.