Intel dedicated part of its booth at CES to mobile Wi-Fi personal area networking (PAN). The idea is simple, Wi-Fi enabled components speak to each other using an ad hoc network without the need for a router.

The idea seems promising. Intel had a pair of Wi-Fi headphones that supposedly worked with the computer there. There were also a pair of Wi-Fi speakers under the display table that are not out yet. The PAN would work similarly to pairing your Bluetooth headset with your phone using a personal identification number. That would avoid people just randomly joining your PAN and hijacking your speakers or headphones.

USB is possibly the most popular connection out there. Though current models aren’t as fast as Firewire 800, almost every device supports USB in some form. The main problem with USB, though is all the wires it uses. Sure, one USB wire isn’t so bad, but when you start getting multiple cables they start getting more then a bit annoying. Until now cutting those cables has been possible, but not in most devices. Jungo and Wisair are working together to bring Wireless USB to Linux and Linux-embedded devices.

What technologies are going to go mainstream in 2009? The following four technologies will shape your everyday life starting in 2009. Don’t expect everything to change by tomorrow, but you’ll see.

Wireless USB

While wireless USB hubs are currently available, they are priced too high for widespread adoption. I expect this to become much cheaper in 2009 with more devices sporting wireless USB built in. Keep reading for the complete list.

Imation Corp has announced the addition of two new products to its Apollo line of external hard drives. The first is the Apollo Expert, a 2.5-inch portable hard drive encased in a protective skin and packaged with a swivel stand that allows the device to be placed vertically or horizontally. The second device is the Apollo Pro, a 3.5-inch external hard drive with wireless USB capability that helps reduce cord clutter.

Dell brings Wireless USB as latest option available in the Inspiron 1525, XPS m1330, XPS m1530 and the XPS M1720 notebooks. The Wireless USB option is currently available and will set you back $150 but comes with a four-port Belkin Wireless USB hub. Overall not a bad deal, considering the Belkin Wireless USB hub normally more »