Forget about the prop guards, I was a complete newbie 6 weeks ago and have not had a single accident in 60 plus flights (the camera got wet but thats was my own fault placing it too close to the waters edge prior to take off), do fast take offs to about to about 6 feet and check it is behaving ok and hand catch to avoid tip overs, it's very easy.
Start reading the manual now, watch lots of you tube videos, Simon Newtons you tube videos are excellent, do a good pre flight checklist (see Simons you tube video on this), don't descend too fast and try to put some angle on your descents (especially if you decide to keep the prop guards on, the Phantom can get caught in its own vortex which can cause problems), make sure your antenna is pointed the correct way (flat side towards the Phantom), ALWAYS calibrate your compass at every new place you fly, away from anything that might throw off the compass (ie dont do it next to a car or large metal object), keep an eye on how many sats you have and your battery level and your good to go.
I think I did too much reading of the Forums and got myself worried but within minutes of my first flight I was very confident.
A case is useful but I use a large backpack/holdal that I put the packaging that the phantom comes with inside, it works for me.
Depending on where you are flying and if you will be driving a lot a car charger is useful to re charge your batteries while on the road.
Happy flying, you are going to love it.
