Buzz
Earlier this year, we shared a compilation of the most terrible products ever created, which became a huge hit. This success inspired us to create a follow-up list featuring equally bizarre and poorly conceived items. Share your least favorite products in the comments, but please check the first list to avoid duplicates and ensure a smooth discussion.
10. Amstrad Mega PC
In 1993, Amstrad introduced this ill-fated creation, attempting to combine a Sega MegaDrive (known as Genesis in the US) with an underpowered PC. Priced at a staggering £999.99, it was a poor deal considering a 486 computer cost around £850 at the time, while Amstrad opted for a less capable 386 processor. Unsurprisingly, this odd hybrid was a massive failure.
9. Capacitance Electronic Disc (CED)
Although the retro charm of the CED is appealing, the concept was fundamentally flawed, especially since the Laserdisc had already been on the market for three years. The CED aimed to use vinyl-like discs with a needle, essentially creating a video record player. However, the biggest drawback was the wear and tear on the discs, which were estimated to last only about 500 plays—a familiar issue for anyone who has owned vinyl records.
8. Smart (Car)
Somehow, this vehicle managed to bypass research and development and actually went into production. It’s unclear what the rationale behind this monstrosity was—perhaps to create a car so impractical that people would opt for walking or public transport instead. If that was the goal, it’s certainly one unconventional way to promote environmental conservation.
7. Camcorder
Has anyone ever watched a genuinely good home movie? These devices seem to be used primarily for recording vacations that no one ever revisits or capturing family moments that later become sources of embarrassment. My own family has countless videos of me that I wish had never been made. [JFrater: I can confirm this and might even compile a top 10 list of such cringe-worthy moments in the future.]
6. Doggie Diapers
Why on earth do these even exist? Has the world lost its collective mind? If a dog can’t manage its basic bodily functions, there’s a much simpler solution—euthanasia.
5. Pontiac Stinger
Fortunately, this concept never made it to production. It’s hard to imagine anything less practical than a beach car designed like a Lego set. Apparently, Pontiac envisioned a future where everyone would spend their days barbecuing by the shore.
4. The IBM 5100 Portable Computer
While the idea behind it was solid, the implementation fell short. As Wikipedia aptly puts it, “The IBM 5100 Portable Computer was a desktop computer.” It’s amusing how it’s marketed as both portable and desktop, yet it weighed a hefty 55lb (24kg), making its portability questionable at best.
3. Pork Brains
Yes, you read that correctly—1170% of the Recommended Daily Intake of Cholesterol. Whoever came up with this idea deserves either a medal or a prison sentence for manslaughter; it’s hard to decide which is more appropriate. I can only imagine the product development meeting: CEO: “Alright team, I need you to create something that will ensure our customers don’t live past 30.”
Contributor: Geraint
2. The cell phone Specifically, SMS messaging
While the cell phone is undoubtedly a significant technological advancement, SMS texting has taken a step backward. The affordability of cell phones has led to a generation of children who struggle with spelling and understanding words longer than five letters or without numbers. To make matters worse, New Zealand’s Qualifications Authority once considered allowing text speak in exams under the previous government.
1. Hypercolor (Clothing)
A clever individual came up with the idea of creating clothing that changes color based on heat. While this sounds innovative, it quickly becomes problematic when you start sweating or your body temperature rises. These garments had a knack for revealing body details most people would prefer to keep private.
