Frankly, it's not really all that big a deal. Since I originally got an iPhone in 2007, I've done business trips where I never actually needed my laptop. I just do everything from the phone.
You mean it's not a big deal for you specifically. As I've already stated, I use the wireless hotspot on my phone quite often, for work and for fun.
It's also the reason I want a WiFi-only tablet. I don't want to pay for two data plans when, for the occasional moments I'll use it, I can tether my tablet to my phone.