10 Tech Trends for 2010: #5 Portable Computing and Communications (ARMH, QCOM, INTC, GOOG, AAPL, PALM, RIMM, MOT)

While 2009 was a boom year for portable computing and communications, I suspect 2010 will be even better. In 2010, we’re sure to see a number of improvements in the smartphone sector and when it comes to pure-play computing devices, there will be a flood of new machines based on various forms of the ARM Holdings (ARMH) core processor; chief amongst these will be the long-awaited designs based on Qualcomm’s (QCOM) Snapdragon.

One of the big changes we’ll see in 2010 is a number of products, some using ARM-core processors and others using the new Intel (INTC) Atom chips that can run a full day on a single battery charge. In my view, this is going to be a big deal because it opens the doors for software writers to leverage the “Always-on” paradigm by creating useful M2M (Machine to Machine) applications. To give you an idea as to where we’re heading, consider that when asked why it was scanning the text from virtually every book ever written, Google’s (GOOG) response was so that machines could read and learn from them. The message here is that we are very near to a major pivot point in technology.

In addition to the four companies noted above being big potential winners here, I think Apple (AAPL) is the only end device maker that has developed enough durable differentiation to stand out from the pack. The Palm (PALM) Pre, which was the first smartphone to include true “Always-on” applications, has so far failed to live up to its hype. Research in Motion (RIMM), meanwhile, with its loyal following and easy to use products, remains an important player in the segment. What will be interesting though is to see how the new Android-based handsets from Motorola (MOT), HTC and now Google fare in this rapidly expanding market. As I wrote a couple years ago, it will be applications that prove to be the durable differentiator and in smartphone sector, Apple still stands as the clear leader, though Google isn’t far behind with its rapidly expanding Android library.

In a new special report entitled 10 Tech Trends for 2010, NextInning.com highlights ten technology trends that investors will need to know about this year, as well gives opinions on several key tech stocks, including ones that are its favorites for the new year.

For access to the free report, examining each pick’s business activities, strengths, weaknesses, latest earnings report, and much more, visit NextInning.com. NextInning.com has covered the tech sector since 2002, and tech investors will also be interested in NextInning.com’s model tech portfolio and continued coverage of the sector. Recent topics covered include Google’s new Nexus One Phone and worldwide semiconductor sales.

Tags: AAPL, ARMH, GOOG, INTC, MOT, PALM, QCOM, RIMM