Blackberry Pearl features, browsers, services, OS & more

Coincidentally, i'm authoring this post from my BBP, but it's not-so-convenient, IMO. Right now, i'm using the default browser that comes from the company/service provider... Primarily because I had a hard time trying to select the "sign on" for GuG using Opera Mini.

There are a lot of differences between the default Browser and Opera Mini, as many users, I am sure, are aware. These differences include, but are not limited to, page rendering/display, option availability, web search controls, customization, and quick/sequence keys... All of this can be very confusing when switching back-and-forth between the two browsers (i.e.: pressing the number keys while using Opera Mini allows you to explore a web page, while pressing the same keys using the default Browser activates various option menus or redirects to another page).

Wherein lies the problem is the lack of complete, detailed, comprehensive, and user-friendly/understandable literature about the browsers, phone, and services. I've thoroughly reviewed the guide that comes with the phone, finding it utterly inadequate for answering any of my questions. Online, I've probably logged [no less than] 20 hours trying to learn about my phone & the various capabilities of the different browsers (regrettably, however, this search time has been spent [in boredom] using my BBP browsers). I've been unable to find answers, or even a reference to, simple questions like "why does Opera Mini lack a text selection tool/option?" or "where might I find add-ons for my browsers (for enhanced functionality/options)?" let alone more-complicated queries like "how do you view page source information and examine the mobile code?"

To cut it short (because i'm afraid that what I've written so far might not find it's way to the forum if I spend any more time writing about my questions and problems), does anybody know where I can find more in-depth information about my phone, browsers, and options? Where could I find additional (free???) browsers, OSs, and add-ons?

Does anyone know of a way to update firmware?  I'm having a trackball issue (it gets stuck on stuff and you can't do anything; kind of like a computer locking up on you).  I've rebooted by taking battery out, etc but it still does it.  I even replaced the trackball but it didn't help.  My hubby thinks it's a firmware issue.  Joined crackberry.com but haven't had a chance to surf the site; was hoping someone here knew offhand what I could do.  TIA!

Thanks for starting this thread and to all for the replies thus far.  I activated my BB Pearl 8130 this past Saturday and am clueless as to how to use all the bells and whistles.  I'm on Verizon Wireless...my other phones had the Backup Assistant feature where my contacts were backed up daily online and when I switched phones contacts would download...but I don't see this feature on the BB.  Hopefully one of the links provided will tell me how I can get the contacts to the new phone w/out typing them all in.  Thanks again!

okay, since i found some sites that will potentially answer your inquiries - providing your model has narrowed it down. allow me the time to sift through and remove that which will not apply. in the interim, here is handy site to get you started, 

download latest operating system.

Tuna ><((((*> the other white meat!

E Lite i have managed to find several sites that will potentially answer your inquiries. however, it would require you to provide your BBP model number (ie: 8100, 8300, 7100, 7130, 7200, 7520, 8700, 8800, etc.). kindly provide such and i'll respond with the links i found accordingly.

Tuna ><((((*> the other white meat!