Can you use a blackberry without a data plan?

question about blackberries, for xmas my mom is buying me a blackberry (idk which one im getting yet a curve, or the 8820 idk which one im getting yet) but my mom is buying it with the no-commitment price..and we have a family plan with me, my mom, and my stepdad. we all have roll over minutes and the unlimited messaging plan (unlimited text, ims, etc.) so i wanted to know if when i get a blackberry can i still use that? cause i heard you cant do much without a data plan...what can you do on a blackberry without a data plan?