1. "RE: Just bought my Macbook & Logic 8...what's first?" In response to In response to 0
Have you installed it yet? If not, allow for at least 2-3 hours for the install. I read some online forums where folks said it took even longer.
Have you hooked up your audio interface yet? You will want to set that as your audio device in Logic. This can be done in the preferences section but I would reference the section about this in the Getting Started book or the main user manual. Are you using a controller keyboard? If not, Logic allows you to use their Caps Lock keyboard. Simply press the Caps Lock button and it allows your midi sounds to be controlled by your computer keyboard. You may want to make sure this feature is activated. I think you do that in the preferences or settings menu (I'm not in front of my computer with Logic).
The Getting Started book that comes with Logic is a good way to start. Although you will need to read or reference the manuals for more details about each feature. I also suggest that you watch Apple's tutorials at http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/tutorials/ and check out other video tutorials online. There are also a lot of online forums you should check out. There is a list of some of these at http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/resources/ but there are others out there if you search for them.
You'll want to learn Ultrabeat to program your beats. Read up on this tool in the manual. You can also simply use one of the many Apple loops to get you started.