1. Opera Mini- yes
2. Gmail- yes
3. JiveTalk multiIM client can be found @ BeeJive :: JiveTalk mobile messenger - instant messaging to go not free but there is a free trial and it is positively the Best IM client out there for Blackberries. The actual AIM client for Blackberry seems to be a bit hard to find and most people opt for a multiclient option. However this is all a matter of taste and need.

Just insert your friends sim card into your device it will be provisioned for the blackberry browser so the browser should show up. Go to the sites for the software you would like to install and do OTA download. When your done, put your sim card back in and you should be ready to go. If the browser does not show up it is possible you may have to to into Options/Advanced and register on the Host Routing table. It is very unlikely that you will have to send service books for the browser, but if you do it's a simple process for your friend to do via his BIS account setup website.

Happy Berrying!