Using an iPhone as a PDA

A friend of mine was given an old iPhone, model A1203, that was no longer associated with an account.  I think the original owner had upgraded to a newer model.   My friend would like to use it as a PDA (i.e. wifi only, no phone or data plan).  When I turned it on, the only thing I could see to do with it was to call 911.  Is there any way to use all the non-phone functions without a phone account?

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oobleck