5 Outdated 90s Technology Gadgets That Were Way Too Expensive

The 1990s brought a wave of innovative technology, but many of the gadgets were priced well beyond what most people could afford. Looking back, these devices seem clunky and outdated, yet they were once the peak of technological advancement. Here are five 90s tech gadgets that cost a fortune but quickly became outdated.

1. Apple Newton

The Apple Newton, released in 1993, was one of the first personal digital assistants (PDAs). It offered features like handwriting recognition and note-taking. However, its price tag, around $700 to $1,000, made it inaccessible to many. The handwriting recognition also struggled with accuracy, which frustrated users.

Although the Apple Newton was ahead of its time, it couldn’t overcome its high cost and technical issues. Apple discontinued it in 1998, and by then, other companies were producing cheaper, more reliable PDAs. Today, it stands as a reminder of ambitious tech that came at too steep a price.

2. Sony MiniDisc Player

When Sony introduced the MiniDisc player in the early 90s, it seemed like the next big thing in portable music. It offered digital sound quality and could record music, which was a novel feature. However, at around $500, it was more expensive than the widely popular CD players at the time.

Despite its potential, the MiniDisc player failed to capture a large market. CDs were cheaper and more convenient, and by the time MP3 players arrived, the MiniDisc was quickly overshadowed. It remains an example of a promising device that was simply too expensive to succeed.

3. Sega Saturn

The Sega Saturn, a home video game console released in 1995, came with impressive hardware and was designed for serious gamers. Priced at $399, it was one of the most expensive gaming systems on the market, costing significantly more than its competitors like the Sony PlayStation.

The high price of the Sega Saturn, combined with limited third-party game support, led to its downfall. It couldn’t compete with cheaper, more versatile systems, and Sega eventually shifted its focus to other consoles. The Saturn is now remembered for its price rather than its impact on gaming.

4. IBM ThinkPad 701C

IBM’s ThinkPad 701C, launched in 1995, became famous for its “butterfly” keyboard, which expanded when opened. It was a sleek, innovative laptop at the time, but the price was hefty—over $3,000 for the top model. For many, the cost was simply too much for a portable computer.

Though the ThinkPad 701C was well-received for its design, the high price kept it out of reach for most consumers. As technology advanced, cheaper laptops entered the market, making the 701C a relic of expensive, early 90s laptop innovation.

5. PalmPilot

In 1996, the PalmPilot PDA hit the market and quickly became a status symbol for tech enthusiasts. It allowed users to organize contacts, calendars, and tasks, but at a cost of about $300. At the time, this was a significant investment for what was essentially a digital planner.

Though the PalmPilot was revolutionary for its time, the high cost limited its accessibility to a wider audience. With smartphones and other gadgets eventually taking over, the PalmPilot became obsolete, leaving it as another expensive 90s gadget that didn’t last long.