So sorry, Rsava, it was a senior moment! Yes, I did look for the device, but my home service is AT&T and I just purchased the Verizon stick---so, you guessed it---I looked under the former.

And I appreciate your posting to correct me.

Again, thanks for the info.

Glad you found it. Sorry if I was a bit snippy, long night not much sleep.

The laptop solution is definitely an option but the router gives you some options you don't have with the laptop.
Depending on your reception you might need to put the wireless router in a spot that wouldn't be a very good spot to put a laptop. With the laptop you need to fire up your laptop to use it, with the router, you can turn on the router and your iPad in 30 seconds.
And finally, on the CTR500, the ethernet port is in or out - you can hook your laptop to it for a wired connection or you can hook an incoming internet connection to it and use it as a regular access point.
I have used that unit with a switch to run an booth of 5 computers at a tradeshow one time with no hiccups at all. Just some thoughts on the benefits of using the router vs the laptop.

Just ordered the CTR500 from Amazon.com for about 150 bucks. I will post my reactions when it arrives and I have had a chance to test it out.

Or just get a zoom 3g wifi travel router,about £50 on ebay