First off let me thank you for having this forum. I just received my Blackberry last night, and I am already in love. Unfortunately as a first time user I am a bit confused. I have had nothing but Samsung phones my entire life and pretty much they are all the same, never anything new to learn.

I have pretty much learned how to navigate around the phone, and also how to use the keyboard and all the buttons.

I have read around for similar trouble that other people were having and didn't find much, except for the DATA CONNECTION REFUSED error, however still no answer to my problems. Maybe I'm overlooking something but the manual is really not much help, since I know how to put in the battery and turn it on, there's really not much else it proceeds to explain.

Here's some technical info: Blackberry Pearl 8100, White. T-mobile.
I have the latest software updates and everything, phone is brand new out of the box, I don't even have my contact in it yet. Nothing has been downloaded or erased and I haven't yet tried to sync it to my computer.

1. I tested the phone at the T-mobile store and the messenger had the option to select from AIM, Yahoo! and ICQ and some other messenger. However mine just says "Blackberry Messenger" and when I click on it, it signs me in to something and I'm just not sure what that is. Supposedly my girlfriend says its only for other blackberry users where you can talk via the Blackberry PIN. I can see where that makes sense but where are my other messengers! Do I need to download these? Because when I ordered the phone from T-mobile it says that Instant Messenger is free.

2. Data Connection Refused Error - YES I HAVE A DATA PLAN! at least I think I do. I have unlimited text, video, and picture messages via T-mobile. Last night my girlfriend tried to send me a picture message. I still have not received it. I can receive text messages but no pictures or videos. As far as data plan, since I really don't have a clue about Blackberry, is there something seperate that I'm supposed to buy? ALSO I noticed that this was NOT there from the beggining. It used to say "T-Mobile" and now it says "Data Connection Refused" all the time. That started when I tried to connect with my girlfriend's phone Via Bluetooth. She has a T-Mobile MDA. She was trying to send me some pictures and on her phone it said "Network connection failed" or something about connection failed. Yes both phones were visiable and synced to each other. Since then, the DATA CONNECTION REFUSED error appeared. I don't know if the bluetooth and picture message errors are related but I'm really hoping someone can help me out.

3. Memory Card - Is it a Mini SD or a Micro SD? And can I still transfer MP3s and photos from my PC to it without a memory card? Is there a memory limit on the memory card? I'm about to purchase one and I don't want to make a mistake.

4. I found that Hayden's guide was awesome, however the "how to" links don't work when I click on them. So I was wondering if there was an updated version of the guide where I could find out exactly how to transfer my photos and change my background and set up the ringtones. Quick question, and this may be stupid but, is there some way I can set a ringtone to a specific caller? Or it is just one ringtone for everyone?

And I think that's it! I loved the Guide I just wish the links would work because it would really help! Also I signed up for Blackberry Owners Online, anyone else done that? I tried to see if there was something like this where you could get help information, but there isn't. I searched and all that came up was the handy dandy manual!

Thanks all, Amanda.

You need a specific BlackBerry Data Plan, no way around it. BlackBerry's communicate through RIM's servers, no BlackBerry Data Plan = no data just voice and SMS.

2. You must have a BlackBerry Data Plan - nothing else (unlimited whatevers) matters. Data Connection Refused means that you do not have a BlackBerry Data Plan. Shame on the salesman in the store for not making sure it really worked.

3. MicroSD card. You can transfer small MP3s and photos without a memory card. Memory cards are now out in 1GB and 2GB (and possible 4GB).

4. I don't know who Hayden is. Must be on ANOTHER FORUM. Yes, you can assign ringtones to a specific person.

Yes, it was another forum, thank you. All of you for your help. I will call Tmo and get a service plan. It just sucks because I'm on a family plan and I'm the only blackberry. My girlfriend is going to kill me.

I'm sorry, I see I am in the wrong series forum. I apologize.