The Twelve Most Tarnished Brands in Tech

“Quick, what’s the most admired technology brand? Maybe
you answered Apple. Or Google. Or maybe even Microsoft. I’m
reasonably certain, however, that none of the brands you’re
about to read about sprung to mind. They’re all damaged
goods–severely damaged goods in most cases.

“No brand is guaranteed eternal health. (The two most powerful
tech trademarks of the mid-1980s were arguably Compaq and Lotus;
both are still around, but in greatly diminished form.) The brands
in this story haven’t just lost a little of their luster.
Most were once among the most respected names in tech, but ran into
financial hardship and got sold (often repeatedly) to new owners
who were usually mostly interested in strip-mining whatever
goodwill the brands retained with the American public.

“If you ever loved any of the names in this article–and
chances are that you once had a high opinion of at least a few of
them–prepare to feel a tad glum.”

Complete
Story