I vote for build your own on arrival. Take your HD and software with you.
I second the
NO HP/Compaq. They're as bad as Mac products in terms of: proprietary hardware crap (but without the cult of personality!
), low lifespan, supporting evil company who enjoys f'n the consumers, etc. I had two and both died after 1 year's use. I will say they had good Customer Service, but that's not really a consolation. Luckily one was provided by an employer at the time and the other I was able to get a replacement based on extended warranty and I sold it upon receiving it.
I am not a fan of laptops in general.
Build your own and you have latitude to make it better than what the average Joe wants (think: htpc). If one thing's not up to snuff you don't have to replace the whole package: just the part. Laptops lave heating issues, inability to really make a significant upgrade (outside of changing the HD) unless you want to f#$k the warranty, etc.almost all are proprietarily screwy, etc.
Check out sinosplice.com for specs on getting your own computer set up in China. I don't have a link to a specific post, but there are a few on that site (it's a blog, just go to the "Life" section).
If you are hellbent and end up going for a laptop before your trip - there's a laptop manufacturer called Durabook that make hardcore laptops with technical assembly designed for hardcore traveling/use:
http://www.durabook.com/One other note about going Mac in China: good luck finding shops. Reading some Mac blogger's blogs lead me to believe (though I'm still a little skeptical since the cult of Mac has a history of sidestepping reality and practicality) shops are creeping into China but not in every corner (kind of like America). Additionally, in China - customer service appears like it's not even close to being comparable (though some DVD pirates have better exchange policies than legit shops from what I've observed).
Are you in contact with any
waiguoren at your future employer? Maybe they can tell you of their experiences in the area specific to your impending journey. Folks in Beijing and Shanghai have it easy (diversity of shops; even Mac shops, etc.) but maybe not in other provinces.
One last consideration: if you end up going to Hong Kong - you can score reputable laptop computers there for cheap. That's only really an option if you know you'll be heading there during your stay.
Good luck with your decision.