My 8130 has been so slow as to be almost unusuable for two days (2/25 and 2/26). Every single command or track ball movement brings that blasted hourglass. Is anyone else experiencing this or can anyone provide guidance?

You're probably very low on free memory.
Options > Status > File Free = ?

I would do a battery pull to reset the device and see if things improve.
If not, start deleting stuff that you don't need on the device.

Give these threads a try and likely your problems will be solved.

Managing your BB Memory - Lost Call Logs and SMS

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...ax-memory.html