Earlier quoted context omitted.
That's $1000 USD... Can't you just get the Dell version imported?
Try getting it through customs without paying ~$1000 customs duty. If it can't fit in my carry on, it is very difficult to just ship to China.
Flying I've never had my bag even run through a scanner (8-9 times flying in) - unless they are doing it between plane and baggage collect, in which case they are really fast!.
Train, you run your bags through scanners, but no one seems to care (I've bought HEAPS of electronics in from Hong Kong ($2-4k worth at different times).
Beijing and Shanghai - I would say you are right, they seem to be a bit more uptight there.