I'm currently playing a Gnome Shaper. My party just made level 4 at the end of last session, so I'm still working out what I plan to take at this new level. I'll post my current and projected builds up to level 8 here, in case it's of any help to you.
Some notes about my plans for this character and the campaign I'm in:
[spoiler]My plan is to go into the Anarchic Initiate PrC as soon as possible. The DM has ruled that if you take a PrC, you have to take all of the levels of that PrC.
I should note that my DM is using the Psionics is Different variant in some respects, but not others. She's been vague about how psionics and magic interact. Therefore I've avoided taking things like Detect Psionics and don't plan on taking powers like Dispel Psionics unless and until I get a better understanding of how they'll work. If they don't work against magic then they're just not worth it, since magic is so much more common.
Other than that, I'm the party's "wizard," more or less. The others in the group are a Fighter, a Rogue/Cleric, and a Druid. The rest of the party is optimization-light; the Druid has TWF, for example. This has given my character the opportunity to shine; because of her Astral Constructs, we've been victorious in encounters several levels above our ECL.[/spoiler]
Gnome Shaper 3 build:
[spoiler]
Stats:
Strength 10
Dexterity 14
Constitution 20
Intelligence 18
Wisdom 14
Charisma 14
(The DM was very generous with stats. She gave us 90 points to spread out however we wanted.)
Feats:
Psicrystal Affinity (Standard 1)
Overchannel (Psion Bonus 1)
Talented (Standard 3)
Powers:
Level 1 - Matter Agitation, Minor Creation, Vigor; Astral Construct, Entangling Ectoplasm
Level 2 - Levitate, Ego Whip
Skills:
Been focusing on taking the prerequisites for Anarchic Initiate. Put at least 1 point in every Knowledge skill. Tossed a few points into Craft (Alchemy) and Craft (Sculpting), the latter for the appearance of Astral Constructs. Other than that, the only notable thing I did was take 1 cross-class point in Autohypnosis. Knowing I have a better than flat 10% chance at stabilizing is nice.[/spoiler]
Gnome Shaper 4-6 Projected Build:
[spoiler]
Feats:
At 5th level I'll take Expanded Knowledge: Energy Missile. At 6th, Psionic Meditation.
Powers:
For my 2nd level powers, I'm planning on taking Control Sound. For my other power, I'm debating between Detect Hostile Intent and Concussion Blast.
At 6th level I'll take my first level of Anarchic Initiate. As for my 3rd level powers, I'm looking at taking Energy Wall, Time Hop, Ectoplasmic Cocoon, and Touchsight.
[/spoiler]
Gnome Shaper Build: Level 7 and Beyond
[spoiler]
Once I get 4th level powers at 7th level, I plan to use Psychic Reformation to swap to the following build:
Powers:
1st Level: Minor Creation, Vigor, Control Flames; Astral Construct, Inertial Armor
2nd Level: Levitate, Ego Whip; Control Sound, Share Pain
3rd Level: Energy Wall, Time Hop; Ectoplasmic Cocoon, Touchsight
4th Level: Telekinetic Maneuver, Fabricate
Skills:
I plan to rearrange my skill points to get the most out of each point. E.g., I'll reform out that cross-class point in Autohypnosis, since Anarchic Initiate has that as a class skill.
Notable plans, post-level-7:
At level 8, I'll swap out the Overchannel and Talented Feats for Extend Power and Boost Construct. I won't need Overchannel anymore, since Anarchic Initiate will provide me with the superior Wild Surge, also giving me the prerequisite required to continue in Anarchic Initiate.
Expanded Knowledge: Metamorphosis at level 9. Haven't decided whether or not to keep it as a power, or make a Skin of Proteus or two. Regardless, Metamorphic Transfer will be a later feat.
[/spoiler]
Final Thoughts:
[spoiler]Learn your DM's tolerance level and work with him or her. Shapers are very versatile, with the right power selection. I've told my DM that my whole objective has been to make a character that is rarely without an option in any given situation. So far I've been successful. But I've had to accept a few things as a concession. For example, my DM doesn't want to have to deal with immediate actions, since she's never been in a game with them. Therefore I've agreed not to take powers with that manifestation time.
Try not to agonize over power selection. This can be hard, especially if you're playing a campaign starting at level 1. Like I mentioned, I'm torn between Concussion Blast and Detect Hostile Intent for 4th level. Expect some tough choices. You may eventually just have to pick one and stick with it.
Discuss Psychic Reformation before you get it. Find out exactly how much your DM is willing to allow you to use this power. Being able to change your character's entire build with 10 minutes' notice is incredibly powerful. I find that a cap of once per level is a good compromise.
You may need to play a few sessions before determining how much you'll need to worry about PP conservation. Astral Constructs are a good way to preserve PP, as are offensive powers that last rounds or minutes per level, or for the duration of concentration. However, if your DM is generous about allowing you to rest between encounters then it's less of a concern. It's better to figure this out before you worry about building in a PP regeneration technique, which many DMs frown on.
Finally, figure out what impact, if any, Complete Psionic will have on your game and exactly how certain things from that book will work. For example, my DM has said that the nerf to Crystal Shard, Swarm of Crystals, etc. is in effect, so DR will apply to those powers. However, she also says that the power will overcome DR/magic. This makes those powers less attractive, though not as bad as the book would allow for. Likewise, definitely find out if the Astral Construct nerf is in effect. My DM says no, but has limited me to as many constructs on the field as I have character levels, just to make sure the game doesn't slow down.
Good luck with your character! Like others have said, you've obviously done your homework. You have the potential for even more optimization than I do with my little Gnome. However, even though she's not fully optimal, she's by far the most versatile, flexible, and downright FUN characters I've ever played.[/spoiler]