I have a 7290 and do not have a data package. Is there a way to work with my email program (MS Outlook) even without the data package? I am not looking to use my BB as an email device, rather, I am looking to use the device to read and write emails that can be transfered to my Outlook and then sent. It would be similar to using MS Outlook with an offline laptop.

Unfortunately, there is no way to do what you are asking to do.

E-Mail is only online.. And without a data plan, all you will have is voice and text messaging. Nothing else. No offline mail (which isn't possible anyway).

With the 7290, is there a way to transfer MS Office documents from laptop to handheld for viewing purposes?

You would need a third party product like eOffice.