Seriously contemplating downloading BG2 from GOG.com after work today... but I haven't played any of the BG games. Should I play the first one first...or does it matter? I don't necessarily have the time to play through both games+expansions so if I could get away with playing just BG2+expansion that would be better. The games been around long enough that I'm sure people have input!
Let me know, thanks!

Yes and you should continue to BG2 with the same character. Install Tutu so you can use BG2 engine and new kits, etc.

It's not necessary, no. I still think you should though. 
 
If you're worried about how BG1 is holding up, you can actually mod both games A LOT, and make both games plus their expansions run as 1 game. 
 

And that answered the same question for me. 
Something to do next year once i've finished all the crap i've downloaded this past week 
ergh my bank balance

Thanks for all the tips guys. I think I will get BG1+2 and prob going to mod BG1 for the upgrade. I was mostly concerned on how heavily the story carried over from 1 into 2. This will be my first PC based RPG...so I'll see how it goes!