i want to get a blackberry bold for at&t but i do not need the data plan because i am always around wifi. can i go purchase the bold and not get a data plan with it?

Yes, you can do that.
Some core features of the BlackBerry will require a data plan however.
Depending on what you want to do with the device, you may need to get the data plan.

You do not need a data plan; however, push email will not work, bbm will not work, not sure about the blackberry browser (you could download another browser though). So I recommend a data plan.

alright. how about the curve? can i get that without a data plan also?

AT&T does not require a data plan with BlackBerry devices. You can purchase any BlackBerry through them without a data plan.

if u're mainly using wifi...i dont know if blackberry would be ur device...seeing wifi is for internet and web surfing is prob a lot better with an iphone. i love my bold tho. but a bb isnt a bb without a data plan =P

I agree, you should get a cheaper pda phone if you will only use wifi.

i basically want it for messaging. i like having a physical keyboard also. and if i get an iphone, the data plan is manditory.

Assuming messaging means Text Messaging (SMS), then a BlackBerry without a data plan is perfect for this. Go for it.
(You don't even need WiFi for that.)

I think you would need a data plan for mms on AT&T, correct me if I am wrong.

penguin, i do mean sms. you think a blackberry would be good for this? and the wifi is just for facebook and that junk. oh, and also...do you know if on a blackberry, the sms messages are like a conversation? not like a bunch of random messages from everyone?

i think the trick with AT&T is if u have an unlocked phone or any phone u didnt buy from the store, you just tell them u have a "smart phone" and they wont smack a Blackberry or iPhone premium on ur data/SMS fee. I used to have a Nokia N95 a couple years back and i was paying $45/month with unlim SMS/data simply because they dont have a specified plan for unlocked phones. I think its a good way to go around getting your phone bill raped a new one every month. I think the mms thing might not be effective until they've made it accessible for the iPhone 3GS. Best way to find out is to ask them questions, but dont tell them what phone you have, cuz they might just give you the higher plan because you mentioned blackberry or iPhone. Just a tip, may or may not work. Good luck homie.

Yes, I do.

Not exactly sure what "that junk" is... but Facebook would require a data plan. It's WiFi aware, so it'll use WiFi if it's available, but you still need a data plan for it.
Other apps are like this as well. You need to be specific if you want accurate information from us.

No, they're not threaded. It would be more like "a bunch of random messages" to use your words.

However, If you click on a text message, it shows up as a conversation.

I plan on getting the Bold w/o the data plan and miamirulz29 mentioned that he is not sure if the blackberry browser will work with a wifi connection. Can anybody confirm this? I'm hoping the blackberry browser will work with a wifi connection.

Even if it does not work, you can always download a different browser via desktop manager.

Edit: go to http://www.opera.com/mini/download/
On the right, it says pc download, use that if the blackberry browser does not work.

You should have a HotSpot browser for WiFi.

No, it really doesn't.
You can have it set to display X number of previous texts from the sender, but they are not displayed is any traditional conversational format.
This has been a big complaint of many users for a LONG time. RIM has yet to make any real headway in changing this, despite the user complaints.

you can do this. like others have said you will lose much functionality besides having a qwerty keyboard and wifi. Bolt browser will support Wifi for you