Thanks for the reply- i am using the built-in IM and mail clients, so this isn't a question of features on ported software.

What you have stated is possible in Pigdin (changing alert sound) for example is what i would like to do in the default IM and mail apps (because the default sound is very short and fairly soft)- basically when I am using opera and have the IM or mail windows open in the background, I need to be alerted unambiguously that I have an IM or mail. And what would be nice is that when the device has the screen off and keyboard locked (as mine does for 70% of the day when it's sitting on my desk), I get an audible and visual alert that someone's trying to contact me, or I have a new mail.

Hope this clarifies what I'm after?

Thanks for your help!