MNN - Mother Nature Network

Before iPods, BlackBerrys and laptops became part of our plugged-in culture, there was a host of gizmos and gadgets that set our tech-fueled fever alight. When Sony shuttered its widespread production of the Walkman in April of this year, it sent a nostalgic shockwave through our system, reminding us of all the forgotten technologies that once reigned supreme. Whether it's the VCR, Polaroid camera or — if you're brave enough to admit it, the eight-track — here’s a look back at eight mainstream technologies that have since become obsolete.