Can i use an iphone without a plan?

Iphone has to be activated for any of the functions to work.

Also iphone is much more expensive than ipod touch - $499,$599,$699.

AT&T requires a data plan for all iphones activated on their system. Since you live in the USA, and AT&T is the only authorized carrier, yes, you will be required to add the $30 data plan & whatever cellular minutes you select when the phone is activated. SMS is extra.

If it's just for wifi I don't see why you need a plan. I thought the plan was to use the apps over the 3g network when not in a wifi hotspot.

There are still rumors about the ipod touch coming out with a camera, and you can always get a used iphone 3g 8gb for about $250 on ebay.

"If it's just for wifi I don't see why you need a plan."

Because it is REQUIRED.

" I thought the plan was to use the apps over the 3g network when not in a wifi hotspot."

Without a data plan you get no visual voicemail. The iphone is designed to always connect to the internet.

Why would you pay $250 for a used phone when a new one is $99 and a new Touch with a warranty is $199?

Roaminggnome - if you re-read the OP he does not want a phone, so no worries about the visual voice mail. He wants an ipod touch with a camera.

So you are saying if you have an iphone without a data plan you cannot connect to a wifi connection and use the internet? How does NOT having a data plan make the iphone not work over wifi?

You can't get an iPhone without the data plan in the US.

Tamara,

Why can't you get an iphone from ebay (in the US) that does not have a data plan, go into settings, turn on wifi, and use it for things the original poster wants, like Facebook?

That is possible to do of course.

If you want to use it to make calls. activating it will require a data plan.

"You can use any SIM card associated with the carrier that your device supports to activate the phone. Simply place a SIM card from the last carrier with which you used your iPhone into the device, and activate it. Then remove the SIM card. You can now use the iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS as you would an iPod touch (Wi-Fi only, no cellular service)."

Quoted from Apple...the implication here is that the phone must first be activated with a valid sim & plan. Depending on where you live, that could mean a contract as well.

I was referring to a new phone with a warranty rather than an overpriced used phone on ebay.