Looking to figure out a decent follower to bring around with my mage(kinda playing with the idea mostly atm).

Looking for suggestions. Everyone seems to love Lydia, but I find her annoying.

I'm also curious as to if *all* the followers have the same terribad AI. Nothing like them not being anywhere near you when you need em. :/

Many of the Housecarl are good tanks. You should watch TrendKills Follower videos.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Followers#Permanent_Followers I suggest you get the ones that can max out at 40/50, but I'll be nice and provide that list

Max at level 40

• http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Erik_the_Slayer (500 gold)
  
• http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Mjoll_the_Lioness (quest)
  
• http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Stenvar (500 gold)
  
• http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Vorstag (500 gold)

Max at +50

• http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Farkas
  
• http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Vilkas
  
• http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Celann (Dawnguard)
  
• http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Ingjard (Dawnguard)
  
• Every Housecarl

I would go with a housecarl,they have a max level of 50 and their skills give you the most options for custom enchants,you can make them practically invincible.
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Followers

Helmet - Waterbreathe/Fortify Magicka
Armor - Fortify Health/Fortify Armor
Gauntlets - Fortify Unarmed/Fortify Magicka/Fortify Armor
Boots - Muffle/Fortify Stamina
Ring - Magic Resist/Fortify Health
Necklace - Magic Resist/Fortify Health
Shield - Magic Resist/Fortify Health
One Handed Weapon -

dremora raised high level thralls or wrathmen if you can summon em frost atronachs do the trick to.

I love those freaking Wrathmen. Dremora Lords do more damage then them, but they dont last long enough to take advantage of that damage. Wrathmen can take lots of damage, and can be healed with the necromantic healing spells you get in DG. Two Wrathmen are about the best off tank I have found. If one dies, aggro moves to the other, and I can summon a replacement which gives them better saying power then a npc companion.

mjoll, she's immortal and therefore the perfect meatshield for your mage

I chose Kharjo as my follower, I don't think Mjoll would want to hang out with my evil mage.
I think he level caps at 30.