[aiharkness]

Also, to answer another question, you need the BlackBerry data plan to use the BlackBerry branded data apps, and also some third-party apps.

BlackBerrys are different. While they can be used without a BlackBerry data plan for some non-BlackBerry data (such as opera mini on a generic data plan), they are still purpose built to be the hardware interface for BlackBerry services. RIM is not a simple hardware manufacturer; they also provide specialized data services via the carriers. That's the way it is.