15 Tech Gadgets from the ’90s That Look Ridiculous Now
Most people today have never even had to rewind a tape to hear someone say, "Call me back."
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
The 1990s were a time of rapid technological advancement, introducing gadgets that were considered revolutionary. However, looking back, many of these gadgets appear comically outdated. This listicle explores 15 such tech relics, highlighting their features and the reasons they’ve become obsolete.
1. Brick Mobile Phones
Joe Haupt on Wikimedia Commons
These hefty mobile phones were once the pinnacle of portable communication. With their large antennas and limited functionality, they now serve as a reminder of how far mobile technology has come.
2. Sony Walkman
Jacek Halicki on Wikimedia Commons
The Walkman revolutionized personal music listening, allowing users to take their favorite tapes on the go. Today, it’s a bulky relic compared to digital music players.
3. Pagers
cubos Internet GmbH on Wikimedia Commons
Once essential for instant communication, pagers have been rendered obsolete by smartphones. Their limited messaging capabilities now seem quaint.
4. Polaroid Instant Cameras
WI-Photos on Wikimedia Commons
Instant photography was a marvel, delivering photos in minutes. Now, digital cameras and smartphones offer instant previews and sharing.
5. Tamagotchi
Museum Rotterdam on Wikimedia Commons
These digital pets required constant attention, simulating pet ownership. Today, mobile apps offer more complex virtual pet experiences.
6. PalmPilot
Letdorf on Wikimedia Commons
As one of the first PDAs, the PalmPilot helped users manage contacts and schedules. Modern smartphones have since absorbed and expanded these functions.
7. Nokia 5110
Soltys0 on Wikimedia Commons
Known for its durability and the game Snake, the Nokia 5110 was a staple mobile phone. Its monochrome screen and limited features are a far cry from today’s devices.
8. Floppy Disks
Freddy Leitner (Takimata) on Wikimedia Commons
Once a primary method for data storage and transfer, floppy disks held a mere 1.44 MB. They’ve been replaced by USB drives and cloud storage.
9. Sony Discman
MiNe on Wikimedia Commons
Portable CD players like the Discman allowed music on the go but were prone to skipping. MP3 players and streaming services have since taken over.
10. IBM Simon
Bcos47 on Wikimedia Commons
Considered the first smartphone, the IBM Simon combined a phone and a PDA. Its bulky design and short battery life limited its appeal.
11. Zip Disks
RetroEditor on Wikimedia Commons
Zip disks offered more storage than floppies but were quickly outpaced by CDs and USB drives. Their proprietary format limited widespread adoption.
12. Sega Dreamcast
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
Ahead of its time with online gaming capabilities, the Dreamcast couldn’t compete with rivals and was discontinued. It’s now a collector’s item.
13. Apple eMate 300
Felix Winkelnkemper on Wikimedia Commons
Designed for education, the eMate 300 featured a stylus and green screen. Its limited performance led to its short lifespan.
14. LaserDisc Players
Dillan Payne on Wikimedia Commons
Offering superior video quality to VHS, LaserDiscs were large and expensive. They never gained mass popularity and were overtaken by DVDs.
15. Answering Machines
Jorge Barrios Riquelme on Wikimedia Commons
These machines were once vital for recording missed calls at home. Now that voicemail is built into every phone, physical answering machines have disappeared. They remain a quirky piece of ’90s tech history.