Even as a mage it's very wise to also put points in strength... to bolster your melee protection. Also, to be able to wear the best armor in the game. I raise Strength only to meet requirements. I don't raise dexterity but use potions of dexterity when I have to fight many archers (to increase my ranged protection).
But then, I'm playing more as a battlemage... I throw a fireball, and if that does not kill them outright, I use firewall when they're close, then hack them up with a two-hander.
