Gizmodo just published a list with descriptions of the 50 worst products of the decade coming to a close.  I like lists, they categorize and organize things, and as far as lists go this is fun, especially over the holidays with some extra time to reflect.  I have to be honest and say I do not remember a lot of these, I guess they came and went.  But the one I most agreed with is the Sony Memory Stick and its variations.  I hate that technology, because it is it is just different and proprietary enough rendering it useless to anything but a Sony device.  In fact, as I consider the list, I am reminded about Sony's penchant to try and extend or introduce one new technology based on the acceptance of another.  They make a decent camera, so they feel the need to add a memory stick instead of CF or SD technology.  Or a mobile music player, so they have their own proprietary file format. 

I realize Microsoft does something similar: with owning the desktop through Windows they also push the Office software, server operating system, development tools, etc. But software is more natural to use together, and easier to enforce a standard because it goes to way people work, not the tools (hardware, accessories) they use.  And that is a significant difference, one is workflow, the other is just pieces in a workflow.

But that fact that Sony has held out so long with that almost a standard but not quite memory stick is just plain frustrating.  And I can tell there are none in my bag.

What I was equally frustrated with is that cable cards are on the list.  I have built two home media centers that act as DVRs, and I wish they would work in my PCs.  I have purposely stayed away from digital cable set top boxes for that reason, I do not want to be locked in to their technology and user interfaces (there's that workflow again). 

Check out the list and let us know what you fell for and had in a closet at some point!