You don't have to get a data plan. I don't know why people keep saying this. If you do get some lame rep (or website) telling you have to sign up for one, just call and cancel it afterwards.

Let me rephrase, yes you need a data plan if you want to use data. No you don't have to have a plan to own and use the phone and pda features. Yes you can get a pay as you go plan and never actually USE data but have access to it for a nice price that I recommend you never take advantage of else you will quickly see your bill go through the roof.