I have only had the new 3.5 PHB for a couple of days but from first perusal, I am sure that the Lightning Bolt and Fireball are still the same from 3.0 edition. However IMHO, I would go for FireBall first as you can still target one monster if you are carefull but can also effect a whole group if necessary. Just my 2 cents. Good Hunting....
As long as it is still an area, I might consider it. Was planning to take the Sculpt Spell feat, which only affects area spells. But won't be able to Sculpt 3d level spells until 8th level.
Could someone explain "line" effect spells in general for me? How is a line effect defined?
You pick your target, and draw a line between you and it; any square that the line passes through on it's way to the target is included in it's effect. p176 of the new book has a line diagram, with lightning bolt as it's example.