Recently however another good use for VPNs has been discussed extensively on the net: using one to subscribe to Netflix (or similar) in countries where it is not available.
Assuming you have a fast enough connection, a VPN can apparently be used to 'fool' Netflix (or indeed any other subscription service, including the BBC's iPlayer where TV material is only made available to UK viewers) that you are based in the US, UK etc.
As I understand it, you do need to have the cooperation of someone in the host country merely for the use of their address, but paying with an overseas credit card is not a problem.