Help DInc as a PDA?

[Shankenstein]

Hi folks, skip this if you're a TL/DR kinda person.

this is my first venture into smart phones as I'm still using my trusty SE w810i. It still has fantastic camera quality and a great music player but I'm starting to catch some heat for not having a smartphone. I'm a med student on rotations and 100% of the department uses iphones to access web-based drug reference apps like Micromedex and Epocrates. In 8mo's, I'll be graduated and off the family's cheapo ATT plan so there's no reason for a 2-yr contract. When I graduate, I'll probably swap to Verizon or another cdma carrier like Virgin or MetroPCS.

So on topic, how can I use a no-contract Incredible as a wifi PDA to access apps, gmail, and calendar functions WITHOUT any kind of Verizon plan? I don't care so much about phone functionality or 3g since I have WiFi at home and the hospital. Not sure if this is the same thing AnthonyBorn is going at but I'm not gonna threadjack.
(Asking here since the CowBoom deal of the day is a no-contract DINC for $80)

THANKS!

 

[sdrawkcab25]

The info here is still pertinent:
http://androidforums.com/incredible...-odd-request-wipe-phone-function-off-inc.html

 

[Shankenstein]

That helps! I didn't do as much searching in the Root section. Since the only firmware flashing/modding I've done is on a 5yr old Sony, I can't tell if the XDA Script or ADW Launcher would be safer or more easily reversible in case of problems.

I'm still a bit concerned about the first time use of the phone since some people have had trouble getting past the Verizon activation. From interrupting calls, tapping corners, and entering codes, getting past activation seems a bit unreliable. Is there a clear consensus on what works or does it really vary that much?

Looking forward to being "that guy" in a hospital full of iPhones

 

[JoeSchmoe007]

You don't have to root the phone or kill phone functionality. You can just use it out of the box as is but you may need to use suggestions you found on bypassing activation.

If you are concerned about issues with activation you can always activate DInc on Page Plus Cellular (Prepaid Cell Phone Cards | Prepaid National Cell Phones) - prepaid Verizon reseller. Activation is free via their website, but you need to be sure that your MEID is not blacklisted by Verizon as stolen/unpaid balance phone (which you should do anyway unless you dealt with the seller before). I think they even give you $2 worth of minutes. Then you can just let it expire. Or keep your number active by adding $10 every 120 days.