i had the blackberry 8700g. when i got rid of it i realized i was lost without it. the only reason i got rid of it was because the Instant messenger wasnt so great with it. If the primary reason you are purchasing this is because of Instant Messenger i do not recomend.The blackberry is great for e-mail especially when you are not always near a computer. The high speed internet makes it feel like you are right at home with your computer at your fingertipsi am actually buying a new onei hope my review was helpful