Limitations of using a smartphone on a basic plan?

[FurnaceFace]

I am one of the 27 people in the planet who do not own a mobile phone of any description, but am looking to change that. I am planning on getting a basic pay as you go plan (from 7-11 of all places) however I would like a device which has additional functionality. I've looked at some smartphones as I'd like to have a device which gives me wifi support, some mp3s, PDA functions, perhaps business app support, e-reader, games, etc.

I would like email access but I'm making the assumption without a data plan email is basically a no go other than through wifi? Is this a correct assumption and what other limitations would I face?

(As far as a device I'm thinking of a CECT device or maybe an HTC. I think the device choice is irrelavent as they all seem to have similar feature sets but if those above choices start a device debate then just assume I get your favourite device.)

Thanks

[HotHotHeat]

I think the new HTC Touch has WiFi. If you have wireless network access your smartphone will have full data, just not in as many places. If you think about it though, if you have wireless at home and work...What are you really missing? 30 min of driving maybe?