Inventions & Breakthroughs of October 1977
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Personal Computer (Apple II)
2 
First Mass-Market VCR
3 
Digital Audio Recording
4 
Automated Manufacturing Robots
5 
Satellite Navigation Test System
6 
Computer-Aided Design Software
7 
Electric Typewriter Popularization
8 
Email Expansion to Universities
9 
Medical Ultrasound Doppler Imaging
10 
Portable Cassette Player
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON October 24, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: South Korea's Influence-Buying Scheme Exposed. Impact: This revelation about South Korean influence led to a series of dramatic congressional hearings, which eventually inspired a new genre of reality TV: 'Congressional Influence Scandals: Behind Closed Doors.'. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more complex than South Korean politics is trying to explain it to your grandparents? Good luck with that!.
- Headline: E.P.A. Considers Rule to Prevent Adjustment of Auto Idle Controls. Impact: The EPA’s idle control rule led to a nationwide wave of DIY car mechanics turning into environmental activists. Who would have thought that a simple rule could ignite a revolution of eco-conscious grease monkeys?. Fact: Did you know that tinkering with idle controls is the adult version of playing with toys? Except instead of Hot Wheels, you might end up with a hefty fine!.
- Headline: Consumer Unit Backers Try Again. Impact: This legislative push for a consumer agency was the spark that ignited the consumer rights movement, leading to countless infomercials and late-night TV ads selling everything from kitchen gadgets to miracle weight loss solutions.. Fact: Did you know that consumer rights advocates are like superheroes? They fight for your right to return that ‘totally useless’ blender you bought at 2 AM!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1977, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
WMT
Walmart
Price in 1977
$0.01
2025 dataset value
$10,678,835
Walmart - If you invested $1,000 in 1977, it would be worth $10,678,835 today (10678.8x return)
Rank #2
INTC
Intel
Price in 1977
$0.18
2025 dataset value
$199,890
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1977, it would be worth $199,890 today (199.9x return)
Rank #3
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1977
$0.50
2025 dataset value
$414,492
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1977, it would be worth $414,492 today (414.5x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Star Wars #1
$3,500
Ms. Marvel #1
$1,500
X-Men #107
$150
Parker Brothers: Clue #1
$250
Batman #300
$150
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Star Wars Action Figures
$250.00
Atari 2600
$1,500.00
Micronauts
$150.00
Simon
$1,000.00
Stretch Armstrong
$5,000.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Combat
$9.55
Circus
$100.00
Space Wars
$13,800
Street Racer
$8.57
Surround
$5,000.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Star Wars Series 1 #1 Luke Skywalker
$12,000
1977 Topps Baseball #476 Andre Dawson Rookie Card
$3,000.00
1977 Topps Football #146 Steve Largent Rookie Card
$1,500
1977 Topps Baseball #473 Dale Murphy Rookie Card
$3,000.00
Marvel Comics Super Heroes Stickers #42 Spider-Man
$681.45