I just wanted to mention that I bought Jive Talk after searching this forum for a way to make AIM work so I could chat with my daughter at college. It was $20 but it works really well.
On another note, don't let these things get wet! I got stuck in some very heavy rain and my BB got completely soaked and would no longer make or receive phone calls. Thankfully it is a work phone so I did not have to fork out for another one.
Thanks for the tips. I'll be back for more as I learn more.