Being able to connect through your cell phone is great, but I don't like the idea of paying the carrier extra to connect my computer. I already pay for a data plan.
On my old phone in had found a wonderful application. I changed phones and don't have it now, curse the luck! I'm still searching for an android app to do so on the new phone.
But -- if you have a Windows or a Symbian operating system on your phone (the last time I looked it was only those two OSs) -- go and look at www.walkinghotspot.com.
As I said, I had this on my old phone. It cost $25 for a lifetime license. One time purchase! And you don't have to keep paying the carrier or get one of those $99 connector boxes.
It connects via bluetooth or by cable, your choice. Last Thanksgiving in Nashville, TN my sis-in-law, my niece, niece's hubby, and I were all connected to the internet doing our shopping. We had a good connection and loved the system!
Again, this was from www.walkinghotspot.com and cost only $25 for a lifetime license. The drawback is the limitation to Windows and Symbian phones only. Still I think it is worth checking out.