How no-commitment iphone works?

[lesleswu]

Anyone has experience with the no-commitment iphones from att? They only allow existing customer to buy and the phone needs to be activated at time of purchase. So, being a non-att customer, can I ask my friend who is with att to buy one for me without affecting my friend's current phone and plan at all?

Or, I heard apple store also sells this no-commitment iphone, even not necessary to be a current att customer?

Thanks!