Wireless internet was around for a long time, but it was not until the advent of 3G that it became practical for cell phones. It will take 4G and a much better backbone system to make the use of cell phone wireless effective. Technology is building on the foundations previous generations. Until all the pieces come together in a viable form, it is not worth anything.
Twenty years ago, internet was a novelty. The only real speed came at university backbone systems. Home systems usually prevented regular phone usage and took forever to download. Cell phones were around since the 1950s, but until they came out with digital carrier signals, there could be no usage for internet service. It is not what the iPhone invented, but the experience that it created. I think the iPad is a great product, but it is a merging of the iPhone and iPod Touch with a more practical screen for the majority of the public. What will be interesting is how they introduce the improvements that are coming. We know that they will eventually add a camera, faster processors, added memry options, and there will be amazing accessories that stagger the imagination.