3G Broadband Card vs. Tethering

If you use a smartphone, do you also carry a separate 3G broadband card for your mobile computer? Why not tether using your smartphone?

My Lenovo ThinkPad has a built-in 3G radio, but I would need to use AT&T if I wanted to use the internal wireless card. I could also get a 3G mobile broadband USB card for any of the major wireless providers in my area. Does it make sense to get a separate card if I can also tether?

The only reason it doesn't make sense is money. If you're trying to save money, then tether.

Otherwise, here are several reasons why you should consider a dedicated 3G wireless card for your mobile computer:

1. Save battery life on your smartphone. (smartphones can have trouble charging if you're connecting via a USB cable to tether)
2. Talk and surf. If you're tethering, you can't talk and surf simultaneously. So, if you need Internet access while you're talking on the phone, you'll need a separate connection.
3. Reliable connection. Tethering is reliable, but not as reliable as a dedicated broadband card. 
4. Heat. Tethering will probably heat up your smartphone. That can also lead to a shorter battery life span.
5. Sharing. Do you ever need to share that 3G broadband wireless card? It's much more difficult to share your smartphone.
6. Bulk. Why have anything connected to your mobile device if your computer has an internal built-in radio? 

I realize that dedicated 3G wireless plans are expensive. We're talking about roughly $60/month just for the data access. When 4G networks roll out, that price could even go up. Or, you may need to choose among different data plans for your dedicated broadband access card. 

Tethering on the Palm Pre

Looks like the Palm Pre will allow tethering. Tethering is a great way to get online on your laptop by using your phone as a modem. You don't need any fancy broadband cards if your phone is already broadband capable. I use my XV6800 to connect my UMPC or laptop whenever I travel. No need for Wi-Fi as long as I have my phone. Even though I have built-in 3G on my Thinkpad X200 tablet, I don't use it (except for the GPS part). I use my Verizon Wireless phone instead. I still get 3G speed, but at a fraction of the cost. I'm connected all the time!

Palm Pre allows tethering

Looks like the Palm Pre will allow tethering. Tethering is a great way to get online on your laptop by using your phone as a modem. You don't need any fancy broadband cards if your phone is already broadband capable. I use my XV6800 to connect my UMPC or laptop whenever I travel. No need for Wi-Fi as long as I have my phone. Even though I have built-in 3G on my Thinkpad X200 tablet, I don't use it (except for the GPS part). I use my Verizon Wireless phone instead. I still get 3G speed, but at a fraction of the cost. I'm connected all the time!