Hi, the printrbots can work disconnected from a PC ! you can auto-print from a sd card (that is standard in the board of all their products) and you can handle them with the optional LCD screen + button.

As for shipping, you need at minimum to disconnect and dismount the bed and immobilize the head. That is a 10 min operation I'd say and you need to recalibrate after. All in all I wouldn't say it's a biggie. Additional care depends on the shipping conditions. I've seen some people carrying it around on a backpack or with the handle....

Overall the printrbot line is really sturdy and support is great.