T2i question on AF with Speedlite

With the T2i, can I use the AF-assist lamp on the Speedlite to assist focus for available light shots? (i.e. Can I set a mode where the AF-assist lamp works, but the flash does not fire?)

(I don't yet own a T2i, but I have read/scanned through the pdf user manual and didn't find the answer. I'm trying to decide if the T2i is for me.)

Yes...I'm not sure how to do it, but I know with either the 430EXII or 580EXII and a recent body, you should be able to have the flash use the AF-Assist, but not flash for the exposure.

What body/flash do you have now?

None (well, a Minolta X700 plus a Canon PowerShot A590 IS). I'm going to get a DSLR; just trying to decide which one. My brother (a long time Canon DSLR owner with a defunct Rebel from 7-8 years ago, a 20D, 40D, 50D and a 7D) says one Canon weakness is finding focus in low light, and that he regularly uses a Speedlite just for the focus-assist lamp.