One example of something that was incredibly expensive twenty years ago and is now often considered nearly worthless is the original computer memory format known as Zip drives and Zip disks. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Zip drives were popular for data storage, offering a higher capacity than standard floppy disks. The Zip disk had a storage capacity of 100 megabytes (MB) or 250 MB, which was a significant improvement at the time.
People invested in Zip drives and disks for storing and transferring data. However, with the rapid advancements in technology, particularly the rise of USB flash drives and other more convenient and higher-capacity storage solutions, Zip drives became obsolete. Today, they are rarely used or supported by modern computers, and the data storage capacities they offer are minuscule compared to contemporary storage devices.
As a result, while Zip drives were relatively expensive and popular twenty years ago, they have lost their value and are considered obsolete in the current technological landscape. This illustrates how technological advancements can render once-expensive and cutting-edge products nearly worthless over time.