Hey Everyone, I have been pouring through all the posts, faq guides, recommendations, comparisons and posts. In the end of a week of research I've made some solid decisions but I'm sitll entirely confused.

I am in the market for a new smart phone. Today I ordered a BB7290 after everyone's posted advice on this forum!!! It will be here Wednesday and I am adding it to my T-Mobile voice plan. This will be mostly for personal use to do some work with work e-mails (I am graduate student researcher getting ready to travel on a rotation around the US, hence the need), personal e-mails, and do some AOL aim chatting with a little bit of websurfing (ie. google, mapquest). I also own a Mac Tiger Powerbook 1.5 GHZ 12".

Ultimately, I see that I need to invest in PocketMac to sync right? What program does everyone recommend I use in terms of e-mail to sync and organize all the mails accunts: iMail, Entourage, or is their an another? I currently have an aol, yahoo, and @fiu.edu (imap) e-mail account.

Secondly, I see that my BB7290 comes with Chat software; for AOL im should I invest in another speedier 3rd party solution and if so which one does everyone recommend? Verichat seems to be highly recommended, do you all agree?

I do work a lot with Excel, Word, & Powerpoint e-mails, should I invest in eOffice or some other program and where do you all recommend to buy it?

Lastly, what is some other "must have" software (browsing, BB Modem tool) or accessories I should invest in or look into. Are there any other really helpful tips you recommend?

P.S. Is it even possible to use my BB 7290 as a modem for my Mac Powerbook?

P.P.S. Is T-Mobile one of those companies you can call and ask to upgrade your E-mail account to 25 MBs?

Thanks so much in advance and sorry if I sound like a complete idiot!

1. I think verichat is the best 3rd party chat available in the market. I think IM+ and Webmessenger are also very good.

2. If you are a mac user then definitely get pocket mac.

3. I believe Tmobile will allow you to upgrade your memory to 20-25 Mb.

4. I am don't think you can use BB as a modem with mac. Personally I am not a mac user so not sure.

5. Some good 3rd party free apps are BB Today, BB411, BB Corrector, BB Light, Ramble IM. Some good paid 3rd party softwares are Reqwireless, Pocket Day, Verichat, BB Spellcheck, World Mate, eOffice etc.

6. Regarding purchasing eOffice it depends on your needs. If you want to view office files then I think you can use the viewer that comes with the device. If you need to create, edit files the eOffice might come handy.

Thanks for the feedback! I order pocket mac and it all comes in 2 days, phone and software!!! Thanks again! IF anyone else has additional feedback please let me know!