Cyberware is inherently limited, you get a max of 6 pts, ever.
Adepts start with less power, but they have the potential, through initiation to hit some incredible levels.
Essentially, adepts start with less but can have more, while cyberware you can have it all at the beginning but not improve much after that.
As far as spells and powers are concerned, that's up to you and your playing style, and how well you can handle drain. If you don't like having to sustain spells and roll for drain, then going high on the adept side might be your calling. But if those don't bother you and like the idea that for 5 karma you can have a new 'power' (spell), then go heavy on the mage side.
I would say though, look at the level 1 reaction booster for adepts. Having only one IP in any combat round when your friends have 2-4 makes for boring combat fast.