Android phones without service

I just tested this on both my Motorola Droid and my Nokia N900. It works on both. Of course, the Nokia N810 is an option too. Maemo might be better for research (root access available, etc.). But if you want to stick with Android, I can verify that my Droid worked without Verizon service.

I enabled airplane mode, which turns off all the radios. Then I turned WiFi on. I tested many of the phone features, and I also tested VoIP calling (inbound and outbound). It all worked.

Still, if I were still a computer science student, I'd definitely go with the Nokia N900 instead.

 

You can also go the android developer phone (ADP1 or ADP2) route. You need to sign up for a developer account via the android market and purchase the phone.