I would like to get the taxi, but as I said, my partner is skittish about China. We have travelled the world, throughout Africa, Asia and Europe, and for some reason he thinks China is going to be soooo different with the language barrier.. I actually found France to be one of the worst as people probably spoke English but they just refused to communicate with you if you didn't speak French.

It was $20 USD plus tip of 60RMB for the driver...

People in China are certainly more friendly than french taxi drivers and waiter. It is one of the big international capitals of the world. Thousands of traveling come into this airport every day. You are not so special.

But in any case, if you go with that driver and as general advice for China, note that you never ever tip in China. So that 60rmb is not a tip but part of the price - who ever heard of a 50% tip any ways for a driver.

A taxi will cost about 100rmb plus 10 for tool.

Taking a taxi from the airport is quite straightforward and safe. The service has been improved dramatically over the past few years and the ne'er-do-wells are no longer highly visible. That site you mentioned links to a legitimate company but, as JP says, their suggestion to tip is culturally inconsistent (and probably amounts to an income tax evasion ploy). I also notice that if you want an English speaking 'escort' in addition to the driver you have to pay extra again - so not a total removal of any language barrier by pre-booking a ride.

We just returned from Beijing and used taxis to get almost everywhere. Just be sure you get an official taxi with B on the license plate and be sure you are on the meter. The official taxi line outside the Beijing airport is organized and easy to use. Follow the signs. All drivers will know where your hotel is because it is so centrally located. They also understand a lot more English than they let on. I would trust an official taxi more that a transfer company I don't know anything about.