The decade's 30 biggest tech flops (photos)
After nearly 10 years of working at CNET, Executive Editor David Carnoy looks back at the most hyped tech products that didn't pan out as planned--or just flat-out bombed.
1. Dreamcast (1998-2001)
2. The standalone DVD recorder (1999-?)
3. Sony Aibo (1999-2006)
4. DVD-Audio/SACD (2000-?)
Related: Top 10 must-have DVD-Audio/SACDs
(last updated March 29, 2005)
5. 3Com Ergo Audrey (2000-2001)
6. Apple Power Mac G4 Cube (2000-2001)
7. The Tablet PC (2001-?)
As we all know, in April of 2010, Apple released its slate-style iPad, which has gone on to earn the mainstream success that eluded the old crop of Tablet PCs.
8. DataPlay discs (2001-2001)
9. Sony MicroMV (2001-2006)
MicroMV (slide 2)
10. Segway (2002-?)
11. Microsoft Smart Display (2002-2003)
12. Tapwave Zodiac (2003-2005)
13. HD Radio (2003-?)
14. Nokia N-Gage (2003-?)
N-Gage (slide 2)
15. Microsoft SPOT Smart Watches (2004-2008)
Some called them SPOT watches because they used Microsoft's Smart Personal Objects Technology, but whatever they were called, they didn't find a broad audience, even as Microsoft and its hardware partners managed to trim the size of the watches, reduce their cost, and include the basic version of MSN Direct for free. We liked the concept, but we knew the technology faced an uphill battle. Sure enough it succumbed to defeat, though MSN Direct continues to serve existing customers.
Microsoft SPOT (slide 2)
16. CableCard (2004-?)
17. SED flat-panel TV technology (2004-2007?)
18. Plays For Sure (2004-2007)
10. LocationFree TV (2004-?)
20. Gizmondo (2005-2006)
Gizmondo (slide 2)
21. Palm LifeDrive (2005-2007)
22. Motorola Rokr E1 (2005-2006)
23. HD DVD (2006-2008)
24. Sony Mylo (2006-2008?)
Sony Mylo (slide 2)
25. The UMPC (2006-?)
The UMPC (slide 2)
26. Palm Foleo (2007-2007)
27. Sony PSP Go (2009-?)
The end result? You don't see too many of these guys in the wild.