Earlier this week I passed by the shop I bought my iPad from and popped in to ask them if they'd consider upgrading it to a 3G version if I stumped up the difference (100 quid). They said they can't but Apple might if it was less then 2 weeks old, which it isn't.

What they suggested as a cheaper option is to buy a MiFi on the 3 network for 50 quid. But then I'd have to buy a data plan when my mobile phone contract already has "unlimited" internet on it. Later on I popped in to a 3 store to enquire about their plans. It looked like a tenner a month for a couple of GBs.

Instead of buying anything I decided to come home and look in to using tethering with my HTC Hero (Android 2.1).

What I found was that it's much easier than wi-fi tethering - at least for my laptop - to use the phone's data connection while travelling. Since upgrading to Android 2.1, whenever I plug a USB cable in I see this screen:

I'd never really taken any notice of the last option - "Internet Sharing" but it seems glaringly obvious now. All I need to do is choose that option and the laptop detects a "network adapter" and uses it. Simples.

I'm away next week for a night in a Travelodge where the wifi option was an extra 20 quid for the night. They must be having joke. Although the last laugh is now on me.

But What About The iPad?

Although the iPad won't be coming away with me next week (kids and wife won't let it) I would still like to use it out and about without relying on a wifi connection.

Does anybody know if there a (preferable legit) way of making the Hero a wifi hotspot?