If you are learning Mandarin / simplified, the stickers will not really help you, but it does make your laptop look really cool. The stickers are only a couple dollars so if you are into putting stickers on your laptop, they are worth a look. Here are some tips for putting them on.

- When you’re pulling the stickers off the sheet use some tweezers, and grab them from one of the top corners. It makes it easier to get them centered on the keys before you press the sticker on. For reference, here is what the stickers look like (my apologies or the bad picture).

- In the picture you can (hopefully) see that it says what keys the stickers should go on. Double check the key; the order of your keyboard keys might not be the same as on the sheet.

- I put the stickers on my laptop. With a laptop, there is an extra bit on the the numlock keys that shows what the keys do when the numlock key is pressed. This conflicts with the stickers. The stickers use that space to display the characters. At first, I tried to scrape off the numlock items with a razor blade, but it started putting grooves in the keys. I could feel the grooves with my fingers when I typed, and it was annoying. The best way I found to remove the numlock items is to just color over them with a sharpie.

- If you have a thinkpad like I do, watch out for the B key. It hits the nubin’ mouse pointer thing. You should probably cut a bit of the top off the sticker before you put on the B key.

That’s it. It was easy. When it’s all done this is what it looks like:

1. If you feel a visceral attraction to something, chances are you want it. Sure, do your homework before you buy, but let your gut tell you what you really, really want.

2. Convergence is a great idea in theory, but nothing ruins a gadget more than an overstuffed resume. Find a tool that does what it sets out to do well, and forget the 10-in-1 hype.

3. With all the focus on design these days, we lose sight of the importance of materials. What good is that slick-looking mp3 player if it can't stand up to a few drops?

4. Treat ease-of-use like any other feature. If the product doesn't deliver, don't be afraid to take it back.

5. Ergonomics isn't just for desks. If a product doesn't feel right, don't blame your senses--look for a new solution.

6. A piece of gear that solves a problem and does it efficiently is a thing of beauty. Forget bells and whistles, and buy for functionality.

7. Sometimes knowing a brand name is just a function of good marketing. But knowing a name because it's older than you are indicates quality that will serve you for years to come.

8. If you're worrying about gear giving out, you can't focus on the task at hand. Great products keep going, whether you want to or not.

9. Groups of total strangers know you better than you think. In a hyper-connected world, the wisdom of crowds can be invaluable.

10. Companies like to boast about their products' stats ("5 times the cutting power!"). Make sure that you--and the gear--have some handling to go with the horsepower.

11. The tech world's branding barrage is meant to entice and distract. Your mission: Ignore it.

12. There's no substitute for hands-on testing—in-store or at—home under warranty. It's your final defense against buyer's remorse.

13. If you need an instruction manual, put the thing down. Simple, intuitive design makes products easy to use--now, and in the long run.

14. There are millions of metrics in the marketplace these days. Find the stats that matter and use them to create consequential comparisons.

15. Treating yourself feels empty if you aren't happy with the treat. Knowing what's worth paying for allows you to spend in all the right places.

16. Tech tools are, by definition, an extension of your body and mind. Your gear should help you adjust to your environment with ease, no matter how extreme.

17. As technology improves, prices drop. That's a nice theory, but the reality is messier. Follow prices shifts and deal at the right time.

18. Good tech should safeguard what matters most--whether it's your brain, bank account, or bandwidth.

19. Gadgets need to solve problems, not create them. Start with quality gear, then learn to work with it.

20. What you buy can make you a better person, and how you use it can save the world. Make purchases that lead you to the lifestyle you want to live.

21. Technology that changes the marketplace isn't just a fad. Often it's a radical breakthrough that can radically improve your life.

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