I can't always stop at a hotspot when I need to get online. I've been thinking about getting a cell data card for my laptop. Which should I choose?

If you just have to get connected NOW, then cell data is definitely the way to go. You can either get a dedicated card for your laptop, or use your data-capable Bluetooth phone as a modem for occasional connections. The main caveat is that cell data plans are quite expensive, typically $80 per month (less if you also have a voice plan).

That said, the top broadband cell data choices right now are EV-DO from Verizon or Sprint, or HSDPA from Cingular.