If you are using the native browser you can minimize it and veiw the home screen by pressing the D key. Then click on the browser icon to continue browsing. (I have a curve but it should work for other models.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
I just tried all the single letter hot keys and found some interesting functions. "C" for example brings up the Connection history, which among other things tells you how long you've been connected, but doesn't tell you the start time. I didn't find any key that would bring up the time of day, or provide a short cut to the clock.
What I do is just press the Red phone key. That takes me back to the Home Screen, where I can read the time. Pressing the Browser icon takes me back to where I was. That's the easiest way I know.
I just use the Alt+back short cut for the app swicher to go between the home screen and then back to the browser... The plus about that is it works with the native browser, opera mini and bolt!
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com