Question: Before (on 8700 & 7xxx) series we had a 'blackberry browser' and 'internet browser'. Now, on my 8830 I have just a 'browser'. Do you know if this is using the BES (as the blackberry browser did before) or through the carrier (as the internet browser did before) thanks!

Depends on what you select. On 4.2 you have one icon for both. In the Go To screen in the Browser (where you type in URL's) bring up the menu and you can choose which browser you're using.

I haven't found a way to set the default browser that comes up when you click on the icon though...

With a browser window open

Menu->Options->General Properties->Default Browser

I tried that and I couldn't change the browser type. I've noticed that sites that worked with my old BB 7250 browser don't work so well with the 8830 browser. Either that or I need to tweak the settings somewhat.