Just as the title says. If somebody wants a 3g iPad 2 but doesn't want to activate it, do we have to sign up for any type of data or can we just purchase it?
No. If fact you don't even ever have to use the 3G for a single day. It's 100% no-contract, no obligation. If you want to activate 3G it's done directly from the iPad itself. There is nothing for the store to do unlike a regular phone or contract device.