Originally Posted by
drewguy
I think the marketing/industry term is mobile hotspot (or mobile wifi hotspot).
On #6, that is something one can buy stateside bere leaving. I bring along anAirport Express, which is preconfigured to provide access through the ethernet port in the room. The advantage is it's password locked, so it's as secure as the ethernet in the room (as opposed to hotel/public wifi).
I noted this in my OP; both Fry's and Amazon can crush the Chinese in this product area, but we're talking about a $2 price difference. When I lived in Portland, the drive to/from Fry's cost me $4 (and, I actually had to drive). Basically, if you already have a travel router, you are good to go. Otherwise, picking one up in China along with your other goods would not be a bad idea.