I don't see anything technically new here. Only new is a confirmed relationship between Verizon and Apple. But, nothing more than the relationships between Apple and Target and Walmart which also is carrying the ipad.
Considering what is new with Verizon ( nothing) I would suggest if any here want to get on board with ipad and have a Verizon account with a good PDA phone, get your best deal on an ipad wifi version and then buy software like Mobile Wifi Router. It works great and will get you your complete data plan for your PDA Verizon phone on your ipad.
Meanwhile, I look forward to Apple increasing it's market into these non-tech retail stores and now the cell phone stores beyond AT&T. Will Sprint be next? I hope so. No reason ipad wouldn't sell through Sprint like it will through Verizon.