The technology of the 1990s was all about advancing the technological innovations of the 1980s while also making consumers' lives more convenient and connected to the outside world. There were more screens in the world than ever before and more ways of connecting with devices like computers, PDAs, and cell phones.Still, just like the tech of the 1980s, many gadgets introduced in the 90s were left to collect dust when a new model came about, despite the older version being perfectly functional. Many gadgets of the 90s could still be used now, but because they don't have the modern, sleek look of today's devices, they are seen as useless.

10 Digital Recorder

Digital Recorder screen showing 140 hours remaining

Digital recorders replaced the tape recorder of the 80s with their better sound quality, ability to manipulate the audio recorded, and significantly larger storage space. But as smartphones started to include voice memo apps, the digital recorder fell out of use even though they have more storage for audio rather than sharing space with everything on the phone.

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Digital recorders are still in use now, but they are bulkier and much less user-friendly than the 90s version, which was thin, only required a few buttons, and didn't need outside storage like an SD card, making it the more functional device.

9 Microsoft Natural Keyboard

Microsoft developed their Natural Keyboard to make the lives of office workers easier with a keyboard meant to let the hands rest at a more natural angle when typing for long periods. This keyboard could still be used today since there is nothing wrong with the design.

It was only replaced because consumers were looking to have all their devices smaller and compact, and this keyboard was anything but compact. Today wireless keyboards are more in fashion, but they do not provide the comfort level that the Natural Keyboard does.

8 Conair Quick Twist

Child smiles while using the Conair quick twist

Every 90s It girl in the top TV shows had their hair styled with small twists, usually secured with a butterfly clip, on at least one episode of the show, and it was probably done with the unforgettable Conair Quick Twist.

The Quick Twist was the fastest way to get the hottest 90s hairstyles in the least amount of time but was used less and less than the hair trends turned to more sleek styles of the 2000s. Now with more intricate hairstyles coming back in fashion, the Conair Quick Twist could be used to shave time off of anyone's morning routine and bring back that casual 90s style.

7 Home Theater System

1990s big screen tv and black home entertainment system

Home theater systems of the 90s required speakers to be placed around a room and an extensive set-up process, but once it was in use, there was nothing like the surround sound experience that system gave. Now sound bars are used more often since they take up less space and are easier to set up. However they do not provide the same experience that 90s systems did since they focused on optimal soundtrack enjoyment.

Related: 10 Forgotten Gadgets Of The 1990s That Kids Won't Recognize Today

Home theater systems brought the theater home, and with so many movies being released straight to streaming, it is a wonder that more people haven't gone back to the old ways of enjoying movies at home with a more sound-focused set-up.

6 George Foreman Grill

Black George Foreman Grill

Movie fans are excited about the upcoming biopic that will focus on George Foreman, which will likely touch on how the former Heavyweight Champion created one of the most popular kitchen appliances of the 1990s, the George Foreman Grill.

The Foreman Grill brought grilling inside and promised to make fatty meats leaner with its specially angled grill plates that would drain fat away from food. This appliance is still helpful as it makes grilling less intimidating and doesn't require any gas or fire. The grill is also small and fits on a counter, so people who live in apartments or small living spaces don't have to store a traditional grill when it is not in use.

5 Electronic Diaries

Purple Floral Password Journal

Electronic diaries were the perfect solution for kids who wanted to write down their deepest secrets but didn't want pesky siblings or prying parents to read their innermost thoughts. The journals went out of style when social media allowed people to post anonymously or from burner accounts that no one knew about and provided a human connection.

But now, with social media being so commonly used, nothing remains private, even when users utilize settings on sites like Facebook that most people don't know exist. Electronic diaries are still great for writing down passwords and keeping them safe if users can remember the password to the journal.

4 Thumbdrives

Blue and White Trek Thumbdrive

Before the Cloud allowed everyone to store videos, photos, and documents in a non-physical drive, Trek developed a way for computer users to save their important and often private information on a drive they could transport to any computer.

Related: 10 Movies From The 90s That Made Us Laugh So Hard We Cried

While the Cloud eliminates the need for the drive, it is not flawless, as many Cloud programs have limited storage and charge a monthly fee for more space which can rack up to hundreds of dollars a year. Cloud storage can also be hacked, leaving sensitive information compromised, whereas thumbdrives can't be hacked and are affordable once one fills up.

3 Bose Aviation Headset X

Bose Aviation Headset X Ear Piece

Bose has been an innovator in sound products for years, and even now, they are recognized as one of the top brands for speakers and headphones, but in the 90s, Bose changed headphones forever with the Aviation X Headset.

This model focused on functionality and comfort, as the clamping force and ear comfort were paramount to the success of these headphones, but they also sounded great. Now many headphones are focused on look-over performance, causing them to break or produce less than stellar audio quality making the Aviation Headset X relevant even with all the new headphone choices.

2 Tamagotchi

Four Tamagotchis being held in someones hands

Tamagotchis were one of the hottest toys that defined the 90s and made one of the best accessories for any outfit that kids of the 90s were wearing to school or the mall. Tamagotchis could still be used today to teach kids responsibility, but without much consequence, if they fail at keeping their Tamagotchi alive.

Now self-care apps function as the Tamagotchi did by having people take care of small creatures in an app. Still, the Tamagotchi provides a more personal experience, especially when the app can be quickly deleted, whereas a Tamagotchi can not.

1 Digital Alarm Clocks

Woodgrain digital alarm clock

Most phones have alarm clocks built into them, but they only work if the phone is charged and on, which isn't always the case, making people late and causing morning routines to be disrupted.

Digital alarm clocks solve this problem, whether electric or battery-powered, and can be programmed to go off at the same time daily, just like phones. Digital alarm clocks remove the temptation of staying on the phone after an alarm is set and reduce the risk of phones ruining a sleep cycle with notifications waking people up throughout the night.

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