I read this thread with real interest and I'm really surprised at how many people want to fight baldness. I started losing my hair at 20 and by 25 just had the typical ring of hair, a true baldy. I never got ribbed for it (maybe I just had a great group of friends..) and I can honestly say I never had a problem with it, it didn't affect my confidence and I never really stopped to think about it. I definitely had more success with women when I was bald than I did before ( i was told "you know what you're getting with a bald guy!") and I loved that I didn't have to fuss in front of a mirror to check my hair was good (I had long hair before it went!).
I just kept is very close, kept a bit of chin stubble so I didn't look like a shiny peanut and that's it. The only issue with being bald is getting cold easily so I have a nice collection of hats for when I feel the chill. I call BS on the claim you inherit baldness from your mothers side, my mums dad, brothers and his dad all had full heads of hair. My dad and his side were all bald as far back as you can go so I guarantee I didn't get my baldness from my mum's side.
I'd say go with it, it's nature's way, keep it short, keep in shape and if you feel the need for a different look, go for a goatee, funky specs, stylish hat etc... Just don't get a wig.....