How the hell do I activate yahoo messenger for the pearl? Can't seem to find a way...

If you're on Cingular, it won't work. From the bottom of the Download Page:

* Yahoo! Messenger, designed for BlackBerry devices, is currently not available for customers of Cingular Wireless or customers whose Wireless Service Providers are based in China, Croatia, Egypt, Guernsey, Israel, Pakistan, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka or United Arab Emirates. These customers may download the software but will be unable to log into Yahoo! Messenger from their BlackBerry devices.

If you're on T-Mobile, call them and make sure your plan supports it (although it should).

First question: Do you have the BlackBerry data plan?

I don't mean to be a shill but I am a very happy customer of IM+. It's a multi-protocol instant messaging client that I picked up when the 8700C was released and I have been super happy with it ever since. I most recently got the latest version (specifically updated for the 8100) and it's great. (Be sure to de-activate your code on the company's website is you are going from one blackberry to another so you can use the same license...)

It's not $40 -- so it definitely isn't cheap... especially if you are just wanting to get access to a single instant messanger protocol.. but I have friend on a number of programs so it's great for me.. and while not free, it's a very well designed program that works solidly and, if you are a big IM person, you quickly make back your investment with being available.

It supports:
Gtalk
Yahoo!
MSN
AOL
Jabber
ICQ

You fun all your contacts in a single interface and it's MUCH better than juggling between multiple programs... even if it's just two programs..

I don't know the URL off the top of my head but you can do a google search for "IM+ blackberry" and I am sure it will be the first result.

Good luck!

_Chris