I wanted to throw a seemingly idiotic (yet genuine) question out there.
I am recieving my first blackberry (8110 Pearl) tommorow, and I was wondering the following.
1. is there really free GPS software out there?
2. Can I do e-mail without having an internet package, or as a penny pincher, should I stick to texting?
3. any random amazing info I should know about the bberry?

GPS - look in the GPS forum here. Windows Live Search, Google Maps, Amaze GPS, Nav4All, Mapquest, etc.

Internet (Data package) required for email.

It will hover about 1/4" in the air if you set it down on a table and stare really hard at it. No, really.

Windows Live Search and Google Maps are both wonderful programs. I see that you have Cingular listed as your carrier, and I've also heard good things about their TeleNav (or whatever it's called now) program - though it's not free.

Wirelessly posted (Verizon 8830)

Just to clarify #2 for you.
Yes you need a data plan for email. Without a data plan, you can text message (SMS). This is NOT data

Eh, I just got my first Blackberry yesterday. Despite not having a choice, I don't think you could possibly get the full "blackberry experience" without a data plan.

It's beyond worth the thirty dollars a month. I'd rethink if I were you.

Definitely check out the GPS forum. In fact, check out all the other subforums!

Well, you can't email via voice. You can email via the SMS gateway but I don't recommend it as a solution if you're a heavy emailer.

Definitely! Read and keep up with this site. Start off with BlackberryFAQ.com and your Getting Started Guide. Look for Stinsonddog's tips sheets.