2010 Tech Tools to Help Your Salon – Go Mobile or Go Home

Whether you’re a full-fledged techie anxiously awaiting all the versions of Apple’s new computer tablet, or you’re still trying to figure out what Twitter is, it’s imperative to try to keep up with the technology trends that could boost your business. Staying abreast of the available hardware could enhance your ability to work on-the-go, as well as allowing you to reach more potential customers as they roam.

When it comes to portable mobility, smartphones continue to maintain their popularity – even if Google’s new offering, the Nexus One, was met with less fanfare than when the iPhone came out. The Nexus can be purchased with a T-Mobile commitment for less than $200, or for almost three times that if configured to work with a choice of carriers.

No matter whose model you purchase, smartphones are expected to remain a hot seller worldwide, especially for the advantages they offer small-business owners. Beyond the standard phone, Internet and e-mail capabilities, there are numerous applications that enable you to access, work with and exchange your salon’s business data remotely.

Mobile computer-type devices are also a good choice for business owners. They’re small and easy to handle, continually Internet connected, and somewhere between a netbook and a smartphone in terms of usability. The screen is in color and measures less than 10 inches, and the system features a full keyboard. Other highpoints include Wi-Fi capabilities and a full day’s batter power. Many small-business owners still prefer other tech tools above these intelligent book-type systems, though, based on pricepoint and functionality.

Apple’s high-end version of its new iPad tablet is supposed to be widely available later this spring. Although the exact specs and capabilities haven’t been released, tech pundits predict it’s going to be a market sweetheart. It should boast the functionality of a portable device, along with a touch-screen (with on-screen keyboard) and possibly even projection capabilities. Besides that, there will likely be the typical must-have features: access to games, music, videos, print reading materials and maybe even a webcam. With a predicted launch price in the neighborhood $850, this will not be an item for the economically challenged.

The basic iPad was just released and came in at about half the expected cost, available for approximately $500. Thanks in part to its full-screen browser, it will likely do well with businesses that have workers who need portable access to information out in the field.

For more information on these products, as well as: advances in Wi-Fi networking, how customers are using smartphones to find you, creating a mobile-optimized Web site, bar code capabilities and location-aware apps, visit the source. Not only will you be up-to-speed on the latest tech trends, you could also attract some tech-savvy new customers.

Related Article:

iPhone Leads In Brand Loyalty Among Smartphones

Source:

internet.com: Small Businesses Mobile Trends for 2010