A 4G iPad is certainly not the cheapest device you can get to act as a mobile hotspot. So, let's take a little closer look at how it stacks up against other dedicated out there.

4G iPad

The iPad itself starts at $500 for a 16GB Wi-Fi only model, but the 4G-enabled devices are $130 more, so buying a 4G iPad starts at $630--far more expensive than either of the dedicated mobile hotspot devices.

As a mobile hotspot, the iPad has two things going for it. First, the aforementioned battery life of 24 hours. Second, it has versatility the other options lack because it is, in fact, a tablet as well. So, it's a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot with "Retina" display, and tens of thousands of apps.

Keep in mind, though, that using it as a tablet is a tradeoff. The 24 hour endurance as a hotspot is dependent on turning off the display and not using it for anything other than a Wi-Fi hotspot. Everything you do on the iPad itself will consume battery life as well and reduce that 24-hour timeframe.