As the year draws to a close, most tech experts are agreeing that one of the biggest tech trends of 2009 was the social network. Sites like Facebook and Twitter, once the domain of techies and teenagers, went mainstream. Millions of non-technical users plugged into social networking this year.

As more people became involved, the content of many social network sites improved. Those involved in a cause found these sites to be a ready-made forum for discussion. Middle-aged people discovered the communication tools that are built into social networks. Many businesses also began using social network sites as a way to establish their brand and communicate with customers. This trend could continue and grow in 2010.

The Escargot is like no vacuum cleaner you’ve ever seen before. Collaboration between Electrolux and Toshiba is responsible for this small wonder. Weighing less than 5 pounds, this vacuum features a brushed metal exterior and a silhouette that resembles a snail – hence the name. This handy machine is the size of a basketball, no louder than a hair dryer, and can be slung over the shoulder or dragged by its strap. The Escargot is currently only available in Japan, but hopefully will be available in Europe and the U.S. sometime soon.

This wicked looking chopper seems to defy the laws of physics with hubless rims that have no spokes or center hardware. This aluminum bike was built by Tennessee-based Amen Design (www.amendesigneng.com) using a wheel design concept from Franco Sbarro. Mike Brown, owner of Amen Design, has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s Great Biker Build-Off. You can see the hubless rims in action in this YouTube video:

Over a year ago, TechCrunch editor Michael Arrington took on the challenge to build and sell a simple Web tablet for $200. The goal was to make device that was bigger than an iPhone but smaller than a full-blown personal computer, and easier to use than a netbook. The concept-only device was christened the Crunchpad and was scheduled to be ready for sale this month. Now TechCrunch has announced the www.fusioingarage.com, the 12-person Silicon Valley company that had been contracted to produce the Crunchpad, had decided to take over ownership of the product and market it themselves. The new device will be called JooJoo and is based on a 12.1” touchscreen. It will sell for $499. One of its main selling points will be a 9 second startup sequence.  Industries eyes are on the JooJoo.