An enterprising iPad user wasn't particularly enthused with AT&T's network, so he modded the device to use the Verizon network instead. The feat was accomplished by removing the AT&T 3G card from the iPad and replacing it with the innards of a Verizon MiFi, undoubtedly voiding the iPad's warranty. The replacement not only allows the iPad to make use of Verizon’s network, but also lets it act as a wireless router for up to four other devices.

The modification isn't for the faint of heart: it requires disassembling both devices and some soldering. Once the AT&T card is removed, the iPad also loses GPS functionality, and in order squeeze the MiFi innards into the iPad, the iPad's "resonating chamber" has to be cut in half. This results in lower sound quality, but is a necessary tradeoff, as the MiFi logic board is longer than its AT&T counterpart.

The MiFi hooks right into the iPad’s bottom antennae and the stock battery. The enterprising modder, an employee of a Dish Network reseller, did have to use a circuit from the MiFi’s battery in order for WiFi sharing to work. The MiFi has terminals for four battery connections while the iPad has only two terminals on the logic board to power the AT&T card; he tried some simple splicing, but it did not work. The voltage, however, was conveniently spot on, and didn’t need any alteration. The original power button was removed from the MiFi and replaced with a smaller $2 switch that fits nicely inside the device's now empty SIM slot. Without the switch, the MiFi wouldn't be of much use, as it automatically shuts off after a half-hour of inactivity.

Finally, the LED indicator on the MiFi had to be removed—in its unaltered state, it would shine through the screen, even when the iPad’s screen was on. There is no word on how the MiFi affects the iPad’s battery life or if any software problems have arisen. The owner does report experiencing much better speeds and, although he has some concerns with future WiFi signal strength, he says he hasn’t experienced any signal loss as of yet.

This is, no doubt, a manifestation of Steve’s very own keynote nightmare.