Verizon's LTE iPad finally gives us data how we always wanted, on our terms
I have complained for years that carriers are unnecessarily charging folks with smartphones for tethering functionality and still believe that. If I pay for a block of data, then I should be able to use it like my minutes however I desire. I can pop my T-Mobile SIM into any GSM phone and consume minutes. We should be able to buy 5GB and use it just from the smartphone or from other devices connected to that smartphone. Thankfully, Verizon has gotten it right with the new generation LTE iPad and in the end they may end up making more money too as people sign up for larger capacity plans. If you buy a Verizon LTE iPad then you can consume data on the iPad or turn it into a WiFi hotspot and use your laptop, MP3 player, etc. via the wireless connection.
Another couple of benefits of using the iPad as a WiFi hotspot is that the battery life will be better than any other dedicated WiFi hotspot device and there is no contract required. You simply order the amount of data you want right from your iPad and can adjust that data plan as needed. Now, the use of a WiFi hotspot on the iPad may be limited to the power user, but I know plenty of folks at work that would love to connect their laptop to a device they already have with them.