Necro or Mage
 

I am kinda starting out... looking for a class that is fairly independent and can solo in dungeons if I want. I would like a class that has some use in a group and raid as well.

you just described: necro and mage (and also enchanter)

You will have more use as a necro than a magician in raids in my opinion. Both will convert their mana so that others can regain mana, but necro will actually do it directly whereas mage will drop rods on the ground hoping someone will use them

Mage is the easier class but it has way less options than a necro. Necro can do much more amazing things, but you have to work a bit more for it.

Both are pet classes. While a necro can live without a pet and still kill things, a mage really can't. Mage pets are stronger than necro pets though and also more versatile.

necro has utility and dots.
mage is dps and summons.

I went mage but there are certainly days I wish I went necro.
Root, Snare, Fear, Feign Death, mana regen just to name a few reasons.
PS. Iksar is the only necro race.

Since you mention raiding. which do you prefer. Making rods or Twitching?

twitching... I guess i will go Necro :) thanks.