I was working on solving Einstein's Grand Unified Theory problem, but that was too easy, so I decided I'd try to figure out how to use my Blackberry. I'm sure this has been posted many times, but I did not think it was possible to make a device THIS DIFFICULT to use. :( I tried the help file, nada, I tried the web support, got sales information. How do I send an I.M.????? Additionally, of course, if someone sends me one, how will I know and how do I read it???

Do you have a BlackBerry Data Plan?

Do you have an IM client installed?

Are you using BB Messenger? Is it installed?

None of them are difficult to use. Neither is the device.

Got the data plan, IM is installed, I'm currently not using Blackberry Messenger because I can't figure out how to use it, and I must correct my earlier complaint: I don't know if the device is difficult to use, but it is far too difficult to learn to use, and the help files are nearly useless, as you must know what the "feature" you are asking for help on is called before you can search for help. Part of the difficulty stems from the enormous number of things the device will do... I tried to get a manual online, but I must first know what model I have! It says "BOLD" on the 'phone, but online there are 2 different models of BOLD, and I don't know how to figure out which one I have...

Options / About will tell you the model number.
The problem isn't with the phone.

oh, awright, I know the problem isn't with the phone... I'm a bit "electronically challenged", kind of like Arnold Schwarzenegger is a bit beefy... and thank you for your help. I went to "Options, but there is no "About" option. I have "Launch by Typing", Wallpaper Settings", "Number of Icon Rows", Downloads Folder" and "Reset to Default Settings".

OK, let's try Options / Device / About Device Versions. See if that is there.

Are you accessing "Options" by pressing the button with the Blackberry Logo (seven little dots, to the right of the scroll button)? I don't have a "Device" option either. My 'berry is a work 'phone, and I got it and a nice little card that read "Gooood Luck..." i.e. NO MANUAL. The folks upstairs (the "geeks") are very good with this stuff, and very helpful, but they talk very fast and have long since forgotten what it's like to not even know how to turn the silly thing ON. As you might guess by my description of the button, I know as much about this device as if I'd found it on my doorstep last night... but I must find a way to learn it.

I strongly urge you to contact "the geeks" for assistance.

I downloaded a Blackberry Messenger User's Guide for 'berry BOLD from the web site (it didn't ask which model, so I'm hoping it's universal), and I sent an IM and received a reply!!! (little victories...) Now, I'll try and set up the ringtones, as the default seems to be... nothing... at least nothing I heard or felt. For now, one other question... if I'm in the middle of a IM chat, can I do anything else with the 'phone, or will changing screens kill the chat? Thanx again for your help.

No changing screens will not kill the chat. You can change screens by pressing the "BlackBerry" menu key and choose "Switch Application" from the menu. Or b pressing the red "end" key to get back to the home screen. Hope this helps - The BlackBerry can be confusing for first time users but it is well worth the effort once you get used to it

This magnificent device is a Blackberry 9700... and there is an "Options" icon on the desktop!! I was accessing "Options" from the drop-down menu key, and those are way different options!! The path is, indeed "Options / Device / About Device Versions". I downloaded the manual, 311 pages!!! Whew!! I'm guessing this device will do a LOT of things!

It will, indeed.