I know you specifically mentioned 'vi', but I'm going to blindly assume you meant 'vim'. In which case, as others already pointed out, you can use visual model to get exactly that behavior.

A good mindset to have in regards to Vim is, "Vim can do anything, even make you coffee". The trick with Vim is actually figuring out /how/ to do it.

I highly recommend you start with the VimCasts[1] video series. They're short, 5 minute, videos. With each covering a specific functionality of Vim. They straight to the point, and the author provides samples code for all videos.

[1] http://vimcasts.org/episodes/page/8/