Couldn't find anything on this so:

If I buy a ppc-6700 off of ebay or from sprint without cell service, is it functional (other then the cell features?) I can't get a new contract yet, but I want to use the phone to get wifi access on campus etc. The phone doesn't need to be activated to become functional correct?

that is correct...it will still work as a PDA w/o service..

Can't you get a decent pocket pc with wifi for about half of what the 6700 would cost?

Maybe it's stolen, possibly mine .

The goal is the convienance of a phone & pda. I think you can get a cheaper pda with wifi however I dont want a cell and pda to lug around. I just can't switch to sprint till my contract expires with my current provider, but can still put the pda/wifi part to use at my college constantly.

In short, it's not a good idea. EVDO is a lot more convenient than WiFi because of better connectivity and longer battery life.

Oh, I misunderstood, I thought that you had no intention of ever activating the phone.