[Tfug] Router with VPN

[Bill M.]

I've been running a Smoothwall.org installation for my firewall system
facing my Cox cable connection (and Qwest before that, Earthlink before
that...) I've been doing an SSH connection to the firewall box with
SOCKS while out using free, open WiFi - works, but have to do config
changes to proxy for each client application. The older PC running
Smoothwall is showing its age: hard drive whine, consuming too much
energy, etc. so I'd like to investigate other options.
Here's how I've been doing this:
ssh -D 3456 -p 888 <user>@staticIP-address (port #s changed)
Sets up a tunnel on the Destination port "3456" using the firewall port
"888"
I then tell Firefox network proxy to use 127.0.0.1 Port 3456 in the
SOCKS config field and all my web traffic goes out to port 3456 to the
Smoothwall box and then back out to the desired web site. (Same setup
for Thunderbird.) End result: encrypted WiFi traffic through the SSH
tunnel and open, in-the-clear leaving the Smoothwall box.
I'd like to have a much simpler, appliance-like device providing
system-level connection. My limited understanding is that a VPN
connection provides encrypted connection for all "client" applications
with no additional settings in each program. A VPN client on the local
PC is used to manage connection to the VPN server at home. I want to
have secure, encrypted connection while surfing in open, unsecure
environment.
Can anyone recommend a router with VPN capability that is reasonably
priced? Plug into Cox cable modem and get rid of old PC running
Smoothwall. I don't need a router with VPN and built-in wireless - I
have wireless working with WPA.
The Linksys/Cisco RVS4000 looks nice, 4x10/100/1000 wired connections,
SPI firewall, up to 10 VPN connections.
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

-*-Bill