Well, i always prefer elf over hal elf, but thats your choice [img]smile.gif[/img] .
About equipment, id use AC boosting items over bonus spell items, and give those bonus spells to your main mage (I suppose you arent the main mage in the party, i think that a party ALWAYS should have a pure mage and a support mage, that is, a multi mage). Anyway, if this is not your case and youre the only mage in the party, you should focus on spell items and leave melee fighting to stronger characters. Its all about balance: if you have many fighters and not very much magic, then focus on magic, and viceversa.
Now SLIGHT ITEM SPOILERS
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You mentioned armor, but you wont be able to cast anything while wearing it. Anyway, if you are gonna use Vecna´s robe, it will be more than enough (that robe rocks).
Other item choices could be: helm of balduran (its good and improves the low HP of your mage) or helm of Vhailor (i never heard anybody mention this helm, but i think it ROCKS. Try it and tell me [img]smile.gif[/img] )
For weapons, choose katana dual wielding, you wont be dissapointed
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I hope this helps, if you need further help just ask