Inventions & Breakthroughs of September 1980
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1
Portable Personal Computer
2
Compact Disc (CD)
3
Charge-Coupled Device Camera Expansion
4
Medical MRI Scanner Commercial Use
5
Digital Signal Processor
6
Electronic Spreadsheet Software
7
Home Video Game Console Expansion
8
Industrial Laser Cutting Systems
9
Automatic Blood Glucose Meter
10
Satellite Navigation Expansion
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON September 28, 1980
Full News Archive
- Headline: 'WITHOUT WARNING' – Sci-Fi Turkey. Impact: This sci-fi turkey inspired generations of filmmakers to create absurdly low-budget films, leading to the eventual rise of cult classics and midnight movie screenings, where only the bravest (or most inebriated) dare to tread.. Fact: Did you know that 'Without Warning' was so bad it was almost a rite of passage for aspiring filmmakers? It’s like the universe's way of saying, 'Here, learn how NOT to make a movie.'.
- Headline: 'Hopscotch' Features Jackson-Matthau Duo. Impact: This comedy duo's antics not only entertained audiences but also spawned a generation of 'ex-C.I.A. memoirs' that were written with a level of truthfulness usually reserved for tall tales told by drunk uncles at family gatherings.. Fact: Fun fact: The phrase 'ex-C.I.A. man' might as well be code for 'I have stories, but I'm not allowed to tell them.'.
- Headline: Woody Allen's Acid Humor in Stardust Memories. Impact: Woody Allen's introspective journey in 'Stardust Memories' sent ripples through the film industry, ultimately leading to a surge in filmmakers analyzing their own lives, creating an endless loop of narcissism that would eventually drown out actual storytelling.. Fact: Did you know that Allen's films are like fine wine? They age poorly and leave a funny aftertaste that’s hard to explain to your friends?.
- Headline: 'MELVIN AND HOWARD'OPENS FESTIVAL TONIGHT. Impact: This film about a chance meeting with Howard Hughes inadvertently led to a fascination with eccentric billionaires, paving the way for reality TV stars who think they too are misunderstood geniuses.. Fact: Did you know that this movie's plot twist inspired a generation of conspiracy theorists to believe that every meeting with a stranger could lead to a multi-million dollar business deal? Spoiler: It usually doesn't..
- Headline: A MONK MEETS HUCKSTERS AND GOD. Impact: The meeting of a monk and hucksters may seem trivial, but it quietly fueled the rise of enlightenment-themed comedy, where serious subjects are tackled with the grace of a hippo on roller skates.. Fact: Did you know that combining spirituality with comedy is like mixing oil and water? It can be messy, but if you shake it up enough, you might just get a good laugh—if not a headache..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1980, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1980
$0.10
2025 dataset value
$2,766,454
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1980, it would be worth $2,766,454 today (2766.5x return)
Rank #3
INTC
Intel
Price in 1980
$0.18
2025 dataset value
$199,890
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1980, it would be worth $199,890 today (199.9x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The New Teen Titans #1
$75
The X-Men #137
$400
Savage She-Hulk #1
$276
Dazzler #1
$900
The Untold Legend of the Batman #1
$20,000
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Rubik's Cube
$150.00
Atari 2600
$2,500.00
Star Wars Action Figures
$300.00
The Empire Strikes Back Tauntaun
$150.00
LEGO Space Sets
$400.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Pac-Man
$50.00
Centipede
$95.00
Missile Command
$33,400.00
Zork I: The Great Underground Empire
$212.30
Rogue
$100.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1980 Topps Baseball Rickey Henderson Rookie Card
$138,000
1980 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky Card
$125,000
1980 Topps Larry Bird / Magic Johnson Rookie Card with Julius Erving
$500,000
1980 Panini Soccer Stickers Diego Maradona
$250,000
1980 Donruss Golf Jack Nicklaus Card
$0.00