Let's see how the competition stacks up:
iPad With Verizon Mi-Fi
Pros: Lots of flexibility and a good rate for 5 GB, with solid coverage throughout the United States.
Cons: Early adopters and people who don't want to commit right away are out of luck. Unbundled, the Mi-Fi costs $200, and the only available plans are $40 for 250 MB and $60 for 5 GB.
In Video: Apple's iPad Coming to Verizon
The iPad with AT&T 3G costs $15 per month for 200 MB or $25 per month for 2 GB. Currently, it's the only option for built-in 3G on an iPad.
Pros: No extra device to carry, far more battery life than any hotspot. (The iPad gets nine hours with 3G. Hotspots tend to last for roughly four hours.)
Cons: No hotspot or tethering means no coverage for other devices, like laptops. The 2 GB cap is weak.
Cheap 3G With Virgin
Virgin's Mi-Fi 2200 hotspot costs $150 up front -- only $21 more than the Verizon bundle. Unlimited data costs $40 per month, or you can get 100 MB across 10 days for $10.
Pros: The cheapest unlimited data plan around.
Cons: Somewhat limited coverage (here's the map). Ten-day plan supplies meager data.
Despite some obnoxious marketing, Clearwire's Rover brand offers good deals on 4G coverage. Like Virgin's Mi-Fi, the Rover Puck costs $150, and plans are available for $5 per day, $20 per week or $50 per month.
Pros: Fast speeds, daily and monthly plans allow for minimum commitment.
Cons: No cheaper data tiers, limited 4G coverage (see the map) and no 3G backup.
Your Phone's Wireless Hotspot
Pros: No need to buy or carry another device. No contract necessary for the hotspot service.
Cons: Hotspots tend to drain battery life, and a dead phone is a bigger bummer than a dead Mi-Fi.