some extra info...

i just switched back to BB from a regular verizon phone (LG enV) and if/when you compose an sms thats longer than 160 chars and send it to a non-verizon user, they do not get the full message....

verizon - verizon -- full message
verizon - non-verizon -- just first 160 chars goes through, and the vzw sender gets an automated message saying something to that effect

...thats 'the network' for ya!