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CES 2010 was a huge disappointment.

Each January, the giant Consumer Electronics Show provides a lot more than a glimpse of what the industry has in store for us in the coming year.

This year, the industry wags who based their “predictions” on leaks from electronics manufacturers proclaimed that 2010 would be the year of tablet computers and 3D TV.

After scouting the show floor I must report that if those were supposed to be the “hot” items then CES was a giant flop.

First of all, if the experts were expecting a glut of new tablet computer designs they missed the boat completely. Except for a small number of unexceptional designs, reminiscent of rejected tablets of the past, there was nothing exciting to report.

The majority of companies promising greatness finally were forced to admit that their new tablets would actually be announced “very soon”. I’m guessing that those announcements will be timed to coincide with whatever Apple announces – when they announce it.

There actually were a number of 3D televisions on the show floor. Everything from plasmas, LCD and LED models from some of the biggest TV manufacturers made their way to CES. Unfortunately not one of the 3D sets I saw would get me to part with my money.

Samsung had one of the best-looking 3D demonstrations in Vegas. But, Sony’s OLED 3D sets were somewhat underwhelming.

Then, you have to wear special glasses to see the 3D effect. Those glasses were very cool – but they are a big part of the 3D TV problem.

I don’t care what special effect they want you to experience – I don’t believe that a majority of the TV-watching public will be willing to purchase and don special glasses to watch television. Maybe for 2-3 minutes but not for an entire show – or 2 hour movie.

And what happens if you don’t want to wear the glasses? You’re greeted by an amazingly blurry, color-shifted image on the screen that is nearly impossible to watch for more than a few seconds. I always hated those 3D movies and also comic books from the 50’s and 60’s that used color-blurring techniques. 50 to 60-years later and the technology is still pretty rotten.

Last year at CES there was a company showing off a prototype 3D TV that didn’t need glasses to see the effect. This year it seemed as if we’re going backwards.

Oh, I didn’t tell you the best part. TV manufacturers think you’ll be willing to pay a big premium for 3D capable TVs and the special eye wear you’ll need. Maybe a few hundred of so. For one special effect that’s not so great to begin with.

I don’t think so. Especially not during a recession.

The only other items of note were electronic book readers. It seemed like everywhere one turned there was another small company showing-off their idea of electronic book readers should look like – in all shapes, sizes and colors. I’m not sure there are that many people left on the planet who still cherish reading books, newspapers and magazines enough to run out and buy a book reader. I think most of them have bought an Amazon Kindle already.

Otherwise, the best of CES 2010 turned out to be a handful of isolated glimmers of good ideas that may make find a way into items we’ll just have to own within the next few years.

Like I said – CES was disappointing.