CES-electronics for baby boomers in 2010

Let’s take a quick look at CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, before it opens in Las Vegas and see what might be coming to consumers in 2010. Baby boomers are often early adopters, since we have some discretionary income and resources, and, of course, free time. But baby boomers, while we buy electronics and like them, are very discerning about quality and purpose.

I wandered the Web looking to see what the consensus is. My take, no one is expecting much in the way of mind-blowing excitement. We may not be buying truckloads of gadgets this year. The big thing is expected to be electronic readers, if you’re talking how many will turn up in CES booths.

Electronic Readers

Molly Wood, of my favorite podcast, Buzz Out Loud from Cnet, says it will be raining readers. Only trouble is, most agree that of the dozens or maybe even a hundred that will debut, only three or fewer are likely to have much new to offer. And the prices still suck. Color is still not going to be a factor since the technology is too pricey.

As for 3-D TV

3D sets will probably be available. Molly says it’ll be dead on arrival, no one wants to wear the glasses at home – the providers will charge high premiums; it’s just not main stream. It’s a toy for people who have too much money and too much time. But who fits that demographic these days? 3D was to have been the big deal for 2009 and it fizzled out. As I see it, some people will buy the set, watch one show and say, “Is that all there is?”

Other electronic stuff

Google’s Nexus One Phone will get attention, for sure. I hope they don’t attach it to a particular carrier – rather see it come out unlocked, meaning it can be activated on more services than a single carrier. Three major cell carriers are tooting about 4G technology. Okay. Yawn.

The superstar of CES?

I would love to see wireless recharging – but not a dozen for a dozen different devices or manufacturers. I want a universal. If someone brings one out at CES, I’d buy it – so would a lot of other people. But I’m not going to buy all new electronics so I can recharge batteries wirelessly.

Something like 25,000 new electronic items will spring from about 3,000 companies before millions of show-goers. Some years, consumers latch on to new stuff and spend money like crazy — ya gotta have the latest and greatest. But since 2009 was the year that taught us how dangerous it can be to practice such conspicuous consumption, I don’t believe crowds will line up outside the big box stores, especially crowds of smart baby boomers, like us.

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