Just got a new (and my first) 8830. I love it so far with the exception of the song I have as my ringtone only plays about 3 seconds, then it goes quiet, then it repeats the process. Just curious as to how I can get it to play the whole song I have put on there....

Thanks in advance

does it do this with every song? maybe its just something with that file...

Its with every song, because I thought I would try another file and I got the same result.

If you have a "song" as your ringtone, you need to edit the mp3 (or whatever it is) down to less than 500kb, and less than 30 seconds. Set your number of rings on your active profile to 1.

How do I edit my notification tones (profiles)? - BlackBerryFAQ

Then, it should play the entire length of time the phone would ring before going to voicemail. Normally that time is about 15 seconds with most carriers, and can be increased:
Increase amount of rings before voicemail - BlackBerryFAQ

Right now, its 15 sec and just a little over 500 kb. Is there any way I can work with that?

Well, play it and see how it works. If good, you got it.

If not, it needs to be under 512kb.

I'm not saying it won't work over 500kb. Let's find out. I know in the past, we have always found the TO WORK when under 512kb.

Does it make a difference whether its an MP3, or WAV or anything?
Anyone know?

shouldn't matter:

What kind of ringtones/audio can my Blackberry have? - BlackBerryFAQ