As the decade draws to a close, let's take a moment to look back on who fizzled out, went under, got bought out, or was simply a flash in the pan. Anything computer or otherwise tech-related:
Iwill
A maker of server and high-end workstation motherboards, eventually acquired by Flextronics in 2006:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/mainboards/display/20060803120218.html
http://www.happyware.de/out/1/html/0/dyn_images/z1/iw-dk88_z1.jpg
Soyo
I suspect most people will remember them for their DRAGON motherboards, but I managed to somehow win a 19" LCD of theirs online a few years back (at this very forum!). Anyway they filed for Chapter 7 this year: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyo_Group
http://www.bytesizedreviews.com/ben/platinum/board.jpg
Packard Bell
Popularly reputed as the worst PC maker ever, sued by Compaq in the 90s for selling new systems with refurb parts without disclosure; Compaq also sold systems this way but disclosed it. Packard Bell pulled out of the US in 2000:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packard_bell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Packard_bell_m400.jpg
Okay, who else?
EDIT:
Monarch Computers
Once a popular system builder and online/storefront retailer based in Georgia, their reputation began tarnishing as customer service was neglected. They closed up around spring of 2007 after months of complaints gone unrectified. Simply Googling their name now brings up allegations of shady inside management, some even from supposed former employees.
A few months back I picked up some computer part for free off Craigslist, and the guy also offered me a nearly complete PC for free (minus hard drive). I took it, it's a Monarch Systems PC.
Abit
A popular motherboard maker for enthusiasts and overclockers, but they encountered financial troubles in 2005 and were bought out in 2006. The parent company dissolved the brand in 2009:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_abit
http://www.mepisguides.com/Mepis-7/hardware-reports/abit-nf7s-3200/NF7-S_pic6.jpg
Locked at OP's request.
bamacre (Forum Director)
Iwill
A maker of server and high-end workstation motherboards, eventually acquired by Flextronics in 2006:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/mainboards/display/20060803120218.html
http://www.happyware.de/out/1/html/0/dyn_images/z1/iw-dk88_z1.jpg
Soyo
I suspect most people will remember them for their DRAGON motherboards, but I managed to somehow win a 19" LCD of theirs online a few years back (at this very forum!). Anyway they filed for Chapter 7 this year: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyo_Group
http://www.bytesizedreviews.com/ben/platinum/board.jpg
Packard Bell
Popularly reputed as the worst PC maker ever, sued by Compaq in the 90s for selling new systems with refurb parts without disclosure; Compaq also sold systems this way but disclosed it. Packard Bell pulled out of the US in 2000:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packard_bell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Packard_bell_m400.jpg
Okay, who else?
EDIT:
Monarch Computers
Once a popular system builder and online/storefront retailer based in Georgia, their reputation began tarnishing as customer service was neglected. They closed up around spring of 2007 after months of complaints gone unrectified. Simply Googling their name now brings up allegations of shady inside management, some even from supposed former employees.
A few months back I picked up some computer part for free off Craigslist, and the guy also offered me a nearly complete PC for free (minus hard drive). I took it, it's a Monarch Systems PC.
Abit
A popular motherboard maker for enthusiasts and overclockers, but they encountered financial troubles in 2005 and were bought out in 2006. The parent company dissolved the brand in 2009:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_abit
http://www.mepisguides.com/Mepis-7/hardware-reports/abit-nf7s-3200/NF7-S_pic6.jpg
Locked at OP's request.
bamacre (Forum Director)
Last edited: