Is there a way to prevent the backlight from dimming automatically, I not a fan of having to press the power button to bring it back to full brightness? Anyone got a solution for this?

On the 8800, go to Options - Screen/Keyboard and set Automatic Backlight to Off.

I tried that but it still dims before blacking out, aslo anyone having trouble taking the battrery door off? I depressed the release button and try to slide it off but it doesn't move at all!

slide your finger nail in between the chrome piece and the actual housing and try to slide is downwards, its much easier that way.