1. Like Bruce mentioned the RIM handhelds (all BBs) require the BB Data plan for all internet access. Including basic web surfing.
2. If those programs install over the air (OTA) then you need a BB Data plan since no BB Data means no internet either.
Some programs can install via USB cable coupled with the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software. But Desktop Manager is Win32 only. No Linux and limited to no OS X support either.
3. IF your IM client can use SMS texts, then you'll be fine. Else you'll need a BB data plan.
4. Not so well, IMO. IF you're comparing it to Dataviz' Documents To Go (Palm O/S) or Pocket Office (Windows Mobile) you'll likely be disappointed. On a BB you can ony view .pdfs and .docs in a rudimentary text-only way with limited (some) formating and inline picures.
I think (even text-only) is better than nothing. so I put up with it.
5. No. 3rd party software only. See my answer to #4.
What I do, is compose draft emails then when I'd done, I email them to myself to use on my windows Computer. It's sortof lame, but it's better than nothing.
6. BB assumes you will be using one of three applications ($$$, and closed) for productivity. MS Office Outlook, Lotus NOtes, or Novell Groupwise.
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FYI, I use the BB mainly as a "push" email device. The attachment viewing is rudimentary (think ascii text extraction, and you'll get the idea). At least I can read the text and get the gist when away from the office.
My secondary use is as a unified Address Book and Calendar. It's nice having my address book (from my corporate PIM) on the device that is also my phone. Ditto for my calendar. IT assures me that 1. the data on my phone is backed up, and 2. I only have to enter contact information (name, address, email, office/work/home/cell/fax phone once then that information is available on all of my computers including my Bb that doubles as my phone.
That's not to say that this is the only way to use a BB. I just wanted to show you how I use it's strengths.
Another option to look at might be a Palm Tungsten E2 or even the TX for more money. The TX adds a nicer screen and WiFi. Palm is linux friendly from what I understand, but it is purported to be a dying O/S.
I don't want to dissuade you from the BB. YOu might consider the T-Mo BIS (BlackBerry Internet Service) which is $30/so by itself or $20 with a voice plan. IF Google or Yahoo ever extend their web mail cients to include productivity (Calendar and Address Book) that might be a selling point for someone not running Windows. Since Yahoo and GMail are two of the more tightly supposed email systems for the BB, I would expect any PIM functions offered by them to eventually be supported as well.
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The ultimate newbie post...
