While on a phone call, how do you select alphanumeric characters? For instance, if you call a business and access a directory of names, and it asks you to enter the first three letters of the person's last name, how do you do this since the letters on a standard phone keypad are not displayed on the number keys of the blackberry?

Here is your answer:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/showthread.php?t=34451&highlight=entering+letters+ phone

Have a good day.

Real easy - hold down the ALT key and just select the letter. For example, if you wanted to spell 'Smith" hold down the ALT key and type Smith. It will send the corresponding tones.

I gave the answer in the link above via a link because I wanted to give credit to the person who answered it.

you, sir, are my internet hero of the day.

This is one of the best finds I have seen to date. I cant remember countless times I had to use my i930 to see ehat number I should press on my 8700. Great Find