I do not like tethering my iPhone either. Sucks battery life and makes it hot. I too had a Gobi 2000 card in my last couple of ThinkPads. But now I have a Verizon 4G LTE Hotspot. LTE coverage here in Atlanta is pretty good. Can use it for my work ThinkPad, personal MBA, and my iPad. And share it with friends and co-workers when needed. So one service for multiple devices. And best of all, the company pays for it!!!
I wish they'd add cellular data too. The stand alone hot spots may be a good solution, don't like using my iphone that much either, drains battery fast..