Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"As someone who doesn't reside in the USA, I was wondering what would be the best way to get internet for my computer in the US for a couple of weeks? If it were Europe I know I'd look for some prepaid data. Is there anything similar offered by American carriers? A MiFi or a data SIM that I can tether from would work, but I'm trying to maintain a tight budget. Help!"
Interesting point of view... I suspect there'll be room for any technology and business model that provides wireless internet access as opposed any one dominant technology or business model. The reason I think that is because they all seem to have advantages and disadvantages that overall tend to compliment each other. Technology that blankets a large area (wi-max / cellular) typically has an access fee whereas technology (wi-fi) that blankets a coffee shop can be thrown in free with a minimum purchase or whatever.
Wade
http://www.freewifihotspotsoftware.com