Behind Your Business

With solid product introductions ranging from the iPhone 3GS to Windows 7, 2009 was a good year for technology. 2010 appears poised to build on the strength of trends already in place: greater mobility, a heightened awareness of data security, and web-enabled products and applications that focus on collaboration and interoperability. Here's a taste of what's in store.

Smartphones Over Netbooks

Netbook sales took off over the past few years, and for good reason: these tiny, light computers were tailor-made for the mobile user who increasingly performed most office-related activity online. Netbooks provide some of the convenience and functionality of a full-fledged notebook while weighing less than half of even the lightest units and boasting battery life that can in some cases take you through an entire day without recharging.

But many netbook users quickly bump up against the limitations built in to this form factor. Screens are cramped, and processors are barely adequate for running Windows. In addition, a notebook computer -- even if tiny and lightweight -- is still a notebook computer, requiring you to stash it, and the inevitable accessories, in some bag that you have to carry around with you.

As smart phones get smarter and more capable, though, many are finding that they provide a reasonable -- and in some cases even preferable -- alternative to the netbook. Expect that trend to pick up steam in 2010. Surf the web on a smartphone? No problem. Send and receive e-mail? No problem? Put a smartphone in your pocket? Of course. Smartphones vs. netbook? Unless netbooks start offering much more, expect smartphones to get the nod in 2010.

Apple Energizes E-Books

By now, no one underestimates Apple's ability to transform markets with innovative products. The iPod, iPhone, and MacBook are all trend-setters that come to represent the cream-of-the-crop in their respective segments and...