I have resurrected my trusty 7230, plugged in my gprs data-enabled sim and get a signal (whoopee!). I have set apn to vfinternet.au taken from my provider's website but I get "data connection refused". Asuming I get a data connection how do I then make use of it without a built-in browser. The FAQ say that this model running v4 should be able to use a generic data plan.

Sorry. This is not going to work. Generic data plans do not work.

Some of the newer blackberries sold by T-Mobile I know will let you get on T-zones without a blackberry data plan, but that's about it. Also wifi enabled devices can use wifi for data but some programs specifically require a blackberry data plan (such as ones that e-mail.)

hi
try to download operamini4 browser in the bb and try ...change the gateway fron blackberry.net to service providers agteway address...

I read somewhere about installing opera but it seemed so complicated.

According to this page, Opera Mini 3 Advanced is supported. You can download it to your pc and then use BT or USB to transfer it to the Blackberry: Opera Mini Help

"data connection refused" means you have no BB data plan.

Yes I realise that but following one of your faq entries I believed that I would be able to use the 7230 if my plan included a generic data plan.
I will try and take rambo47's advice and install opera mini 3.

OperaMini would be the only way with a generic data plan - but only for Internet. Keep in mind that is only a so-so fix. Some get it to work, others do not. Can't say if it will on the 7350 or not. Would try an older version of Opera to see if it would work.