If I have the cable at home, can i do anything extra other than read emails?
like install third party apps?
transfer documents to it so i can read on the way to work? (what app do i need?)
transfer photos?
mp3's (media player is not blocked)
themes, wallpapers, etc?

I have internet access on it. thats not blocked.

All according to what is allowed via your IT Policy. They vary from Admin to Admin.

Most likely, all that you can do.

Check our Aftermarket Software section for some e-book readers.

IT policies are quite granular. There's no one-size-fits-all IT policy. Our IT policy doesn't restrict anything, for example.

ok maybe i should be mroe specific

1) my media player is not blocked. what does that allow me to do and what software do i need on my desktop PC to interface with the bb
2) how can i install third party apps? is there a faqs?

Slip in a microSD media card and drag and drop mp3's to it. Once the card is inserted, it's just like a thumb drive if you enable mass storage mode.

didnt work. micro sd wasnt even recognised.
couldnt find the additional thumb for it
couldnt even view it from media > open files

does it need to be formatted cos i slipped in the one from my samsung phone?

Did it show up under Options >Media Card?