Blackberry

I'm looking at getting a Blackberry when "new every 2" comes around.

I was just wondering if someone who uses one can answer a few questions.

1) Does everything still get routed through RIM when it comes to data. I
know that's how things use to happen.

2) I am coming from the Palm world. Does Blackberry have an Palm Desktop
equivalent or do I have to use Outlook? Are there any other programs I
can use instead of Outlook?

3) I may be switching to a MAC how is the MAC support? What does MAC use
when it comes to question 2.

Thanks