Tethering is available on the Ativ S. It was possible on the Optimus 7 with Windows Phone 7, but a hack was needed. On the Ativ S with Windows Phone 8, its OOBE.
I couldn't say if it's better than BB, but I didn't experienced any crash so far and near all the top apps that I need are there. The only apps missing in the Windows Phone Store that I would like are the Telus apps.. Only one so far (Optik TV). W...
I would like Telus to bring a high end Lumia device. I ended up with an Ativ S, it's an ok phone, but would rather have a Lumia. The plastic finish on the Ativ S is the cheapest I ever had on a phone.