Thanks mgmueller - I didn't really think about MiFi since Verizon seems to advance it with their new iPad release (but I'll definitely look at it again) and the USB tether seems....okay, but since that should be easy enough with little hassle - at least for this first year or so, this might be a good solution to avoid the double pay for data plans.
Seriously, does Verizon (or any of the carriers) really expect me to pay for a phone
AND a tablet monthly charge?

cjp