is there any known 'hack' or something that can be done to turn on the backlight automatically when I press or move the wheel for instance?! I find it very odd that the light does not come on when you start using the device such as with a mobile phone!

No hack. But a very nice program called BBLight.
Search for it and you can download it over the air and it's free.

much appreciated! Am slowly learning to use the search function...

Enjoy

Let me know what you find. i went to the website and didn't see anything downloads. Thanks

There are numerous posts and links to the download if you search for BBlight.

Unfortunately I haven't made enough posts yet to give you the link.

Yes BBlight was a must have for me when i had a 7290. if you still cannot find it in the forums, try sourceforge dot net. i also like their little weather app.

Here is the OTA link:

blackberrytools.sourceforge.net/OverTheAir/bblight-1.82/BBLight.jad

Great utility. It has been a life saver.

My only problem is it ate my battery life :(