I have used an iPod touch, HP Mini netbook and even full sized laptops in China. I'm typing on the Mini in Shenzhen right now.
In the Chinese cities I've been to (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan), they all had very nice multiplug electrical outlets. Unless you have a very old laptop which is 110v only, you'll be fine.
All the wifi networks I've seen had an english name, so no problem there, either. Speeds aren't superb, and in smaller cities I've had the internet go out for hours when it was raining cats and dogs.