zwer - I hadn't thought of using gTalk for that, that's an idea. The only problem is that I am generally logged into my main Google account when I'm at my desk as that's where all my e-mails go to. I suppose I could use another browser and log into the special gTalk account there?

ssh? I'm afraid that my N900 is my first introduction to Linux and I haven't actually got around to the command line yet... I will have to do a quick crash course at some point!

twaelti - I haven't actually used iGoogle yet as I've never really had a reason to but this could be the one.

Thanks!