Apple’s latest iPad is the first to offer mobile hotspot features, which means that if you have a supported model and a supported data plan, you can turn your iPad into a portable 4G modem for your laptop.
All you have to do is turn on the mobile hotspot feature and then you can connect your laptop, iPod, or other mobile device over WiFi — exactly the same way you would connect to a normal WiFi network.
The iPad isn’t exactly the first device to offer this feature. Most wireless carriers offer mobile hotspot devices, and you can turn many iPhone or Android devices into mobile hotspots.
But the 2012 iPad has a massive 42.5 Whr battery — and that means you can use the iPad as a mobile hotspot for a really long time. How long? About 25 hours, according to AnandTech.
In order to get the maximum run time, you’ll need to keep the screen off, disable notifications, and generally not use your iPad as anything but a mobile internet access point.
This only works on the Verizon 4G LTE version of the iPad, because the AT&T model doesn’t offer mobile hotspot functionality.
Verizon 4G data plans for the iPad start at $20 per month and don’t require a long-term contract. While the iPad might not be as portable as a pocket-sized MiFi, it gets much better battery life and could be a good solution if you already have an iPad anyway.
via The Verge
it has to be said, that any windows laptop could be used as a mobile hotspot …..
For 25 hours?
Also… that’s assuming you’ve got a 3G/4G connection for your laptop.Â
 It’s less practical to use a laptop but models with battery slice and 6-9 cells could provide a combined all day usage.
Once Windows 8 and both Intel Haswell and next gen ARM based systems come out next year then we’ll be seeing more long run usage laptops…
A MiFi would be more practical and they do offer extended battery capacities or you could just get a external USB power pack and you’ll be set for practically unlimited usage.
Similarly, a phone (depending on any usage limits set by carrier) can also be used like a MiFi and a external USB power pack can help keep it running for very long periods of time.